Alexandria, VA - The International Wood Products Association (IWPA) today announced the hiring of Joe O’Donnell to serve as Manager of Government and Public Affairs and Member Services.

“We’re excited Joe is joining us as we continue to ramp up our advocacy and outreach to the Administration and Congress. He brings significant political and public policy experience to our team and will be a wonderful asset for our members,” said Cindy Squires, IWPA Executive Director.

O’Donnell said, “I am excited to join IWPA at such an important time for the international wood products industry. I look forward to working closely with our members to ensure that their voices are heard throughout the Administration and Congress as we work to grow the market for globally sourced and sustainable wood products.”

Prior to joining IWPA, O’Donnell served ten years on the staff of former U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar, a former Chairman of both the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and the Committee on Foreign Relations. His positions included Deputy Legislative Director and Senior Legislative Assistant while focusing on assisting stakeholders interacting with federal agencies and advancing funding priorities through the budget process.

O’Donnell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in International Economics from Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service.

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.

Source: IWPA