LEESBURG, VA - The Composite Panel Association formally opened the search for a new executive director. The post has been vacant since former president Tom Julia resigned his position unexpectedly in September 2014 after more than  than 20 years in the post.

The board announced at the time it would begin searching for a new president in early 2015, with Gary Heroux, vice president of Product Acceptance and Jeannie Ervin, vice president of Administration and Membership managing in the interim.

CPA chairman Grady Mulbery, who is VP manufacturing of Roseburg Forest Products, appointed a  committee to conduct the search for the new association president. The committee includes the current CPA Officers; past CPA Chairman and Board Member Elliott Savage of Seemac, Inc.; as well as Jeannie Ervin and Gary Heroux from CPA staff. A description of the position, posted by the Composite Panel Association, lists leadership, travel requirements and speaking skills among the qualities sought in a new leader.

The Composite Panel Association (CPA), founded in 1960, represents the North American composite panel industry on technical, regulatory, quality assurance and product acceptance issues. CPA General Members include 40 of the leading manufacturers of particleboard, medium density fiberboard and hardboard. Together they represent nearly 95% of the total manufacturing capacity in U.S., Canada and Mexico.