BLACKFALDS, Alberta — The Wood Manufacturing Council is seeking a new president following the resignation of Lynn MacKinlay. MacKinley is returning to Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario, as the coordinator of Carpentry and Renovation Techniques, and Cabinetmaking Techniques.

In announcing MacKinlay’s departure, Dennis Harlock, chair of the WMC Board of Directors, said, “Lynn worked extremely hard and made a significant contribution to the Council during her time with us. Under Lynn’s leadership the WMC has continued our work with educators, employers and sector leaders to promote careers in wood manufacturing. Lynn created new initiatives for training, career promotion and sector improvement, thanks to her keen interest in attracting and supporting a diverse workforce. Her efforts to guide our 2023-24 training initiatives and her personal stewardship of our program participants was exemplary. 

"Lynn will continue to provide her expertise to WMC’s projects around the creation of welcoming workspaces for women and gender diverse people and related initiatives, in part, with our Alberta Partnership project. We thank Lynn for her work and wish her all the best in the future.”

While the WMC searches for a new president, Richard Lipman, former long-time president of the WMC will assist the board and continue the work of the council. Lipman was succeeded by MacKinlay succeeded in Fall of 2023.