ALEXANDRIA, VA - The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) announced that  Brent McClendon will become its new president and CEO effective February 1.

McClendon, who since 2003 served as executive vice president of the 220-member International Wood Products Association (IWPA), succeeds Bruce Scholnick, who died from complications of cancer in July.

McClendon, a certified association executive (CAE), brings 22 years of forest products industry experience to the NWPCA. His resume includes stints as a state agency field forester, hardwood veneer sales manager, and Washington lobbyist and public affairs director for groups including the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association and Hardwood Plywood Veneer Association,

"We were impressed with several candidates, but Brent's long career in the wood products industry put him at the top of an exceptional slate of contenders," said James Ruder, NWPCA chairman of the board and a member of the executive search team. "We also felt his experience working for a hardwood veneer manufacturer gave him real-world experience that would bring a distinctive outlook to his position at the association."

Warren Spitz, president of the IWPA, said the association was "sad" to see McClendon go, but "that we enter this transition in strong financial health, with almost zero debt, nearly $1.5 million in assets and an income statement that continues to show strong annual profitability. Our products and partnerships are also stronger than ever."

The IWPA named Cindy Bergin, its incoming president, to co-chair a selection committee to find a replacement for McClendon.

In his capacity with IWPA, McClendon recently authored a guest blog posted on Woodworking Network calling for reforms to the controversial Lacey Act.