ALEXANDRIA, VA - The International Wood Products Association (IWPA) has hired Cindy Squires as its new executive vice president. Squires replaces Brent McClendon who left in December.

Squires previously served as the chief counsel for Public Affairs and director of Regulatory Affairs for the National Marine Manufacturers Association, where she directed its regulatory, legal, and trade programs. In her capacity, she also was active within the Lacey Coalition.

"I am delighted to join IWPA and to lend my voice in support of the many businesses who make up the international wood products industry. I look forward to continuing to build upon IWPA’s strong programs and membership in the coming years," Squires said in a statement.

Warren Spitz, president of IWPA stated,"Cindy will utilize the tremendous skills that she has developed throughout her career in helping us build a broader and stronger membership and communicate to the market the intrinsic value, sustainability and beauty of wood products."

Established in 1956, IWPA represents the North American imported wood products industry. Its members include 200 companies and trade associations engaged in the import and export of hardwoods and softwoods from sustainably managed forests.