Sean McLaren

LEESBURG, Virginia — The American Wood Council (AWC) announced the election of West Fraser President and CEO Sean McLaren as the new Board Chair for a two-year term. McLaren will be joined by SmartLam’s CEO Derek Ratchford, who was elected First Vice Chair, and PotlatchDeltic’s VP of Wood Products Ashlee Cribb, who was elected Second Vice Chair. The terms are effective January 1, 2026. “I want to thank our officers for their dedication and leadership,” said AWC President and CEO Jackson Morrill. Along with electing a new Chair and Vice Chairs, three new members of the Board were elected. Will Lampe, CEO of Lampe and Malphrus Lumber, joined the Board and will represent the Lumber Segment. Craig Sichling of LP Building Solutions will represent the Structural Panel Segment of the Board, and Charles McRae, owner of Rex Lumber, will sit on the Environmental Committee.