WBjune21pgs_SS.qxp_Wood Bioenergy Magazine 5/14/21 2:19 PM Page 18
■ q&a
The Future
Is Bright EDITOR’S NOTE: Pete Madden took over as President of the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities in mid-2020. Madden joined the Endowment with more than 30 years of experience in the forest sector— and is a registered forester. He has held roles in land management, procurement, supply chain and logistics and renewable energy within well-known and respected industry players including Westvaco, Georgia-Pacific and Plum Creek. Most recently, Madden led Drax Biomass as president and CEO. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marlboro College in Vermont and both a Master of Science in Forestry and an M.B.A. from the University of New Hampshire. The Endowment, headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, was established in September 2006 at the request of the governments of the U.S. and Canada in accordance with the terms of the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement. Madden agreed to answer several questions posed by the editors of Wood Bioenergy.
valuable to the Endowment and our projects. Another change is that we’re looking at ways to better communicate the outcomes of our projects not only across the industry, but also to the broader public. We recently brought on a new staff member to more effectively share what we learn from the many projects in which we are involved as part of our overall program execution. A major way we can strengthen the forestry industry and the communities they serve is by not only doing the projects and finding new and innovative ways to tackle issues, but also by sharing our findings publicly. WB: Now that you’ve been in the role, and implemented those changes, what is next for the Endowment? Madden: One thing that’s gaining traction not just for the Endowment but for the industry is carbon and the forest industry’s role in the future of carbon. From carbon sequestration and climate change to the effects on industry and the bioeconomy, it is a vast space. We’re attempting to look at forest carbon from a holistic perspective, including how it might be used to benefit forest-rich communities. Another view into the future is TimberHauling.com, which we just launched. It focuses on providing financial benefits to independent trucking and hauling businesses. Right now, they’re facing many obstacles, including tight budgets, labor shortages, etc. TimberHauling.com gives loggers national buying power they have never had on parts and services that helps them focus more on growing their businesses. While it’s currently being piloted in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, we see great potential for this project for the industry and potential expansion to other areas of the country. A final item as we look to the future relates to diversity, equity and inclusion. We recognize that improving diversity is paramount to success in business and that includes the forestry sector. While there’s increased attention to that fact, there have been limited and fragmented efforts to advance this opportunity. We want to develop a platform and commit to making sure that all voices are being heard with regard to their current and future needs. We will strive to foster success for all in the sector and in the communities our industry serves.
WB: You’ve been at the head of the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities for almost a year now. What changes did you want to see the Endowment make when you first took over, and what is their status now? Madden: The Endowment is a dynamic organization by design. We have a robust collection of initiatives and projects where we focus on large-scale change that most others are either unable or unwilling to do. Right now, we’re in the midst of refreshing the way we tackle projects. That means reassessing our strategy and evaluation methods, as well as enacting a more disciplined approach to the way we allocate capital and resources. We have a great track record of success in these areas, but there’s always room for improvement and “We have the data and science to demonstrate the positive we’re taking some time to assess our approaches so we can climate influence of biomass energy. We need to argue have the greatest impact with against critics by using scientific rigor that demonstrates the our resources. We’re also looking at ways positive climate impacts forests and forest products proto best utilize the experience and expertise of our board of vide. Biomass utilization is a tool for landowners to help directors. Each of them reprewith sustainable forest management—a problem especially sents different areas of our work and we recognize their seen in areas with increased wildfire risk.” perspective is exceedingly
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Wood Bioenergy / June 2021
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