UCS Forest Group founder elected president of IWPA

Warren Spitz, president and CEO of UCS Forest Group of Companies in Toronto, assumes the role of president of the International Wood Products Association for 2012-13. The announcement was made March 28-30 during IWPA's annual meeting in Indian Wells, Calif.

Spitz has been an IWPA board member since 2006 and has served as treasurer and on the executive committee since 2008. “Warren’s background in international trading and innovative leadership style will help IWPA to continue to best meet the needs of our membership,” IWPA executive vice president Brent McClendon said in a statement.

Spitz founded the UCS Forest Group, an importer, exporter and distributor of specialty wood products serving the architectural woodworking industry. The group consists of Sierra Forest Products, Upper Canada Forest Products, UCS Global, and as A&M Wood Specialty.

Joining Spitz as officers on IWPA’s executive committee are Alan McIlvain of Alan McIlvain Co. in Philadelphia as immediate past president; Cindy Bergin of Newman Lumber Co. in Gulfport, Miss., as vice president; and Chris Connelly of Wood Brokerage International in Portland, Ore., as treasurer.

Established in 1956, IWPA is the leading international trade association for the North American imported wood products industry, representing 200 companies and trade associations engaged in the import and export of hardwoods and softwoods from sustainably managed forests. Association members consist of three key groups involved in the import process: U.S. importers and consuming industries, offshore manufacturers and the service providers that facilitate trade.