Lynn Embury-Williams, executive director, Wood WORKS! BC has retired. With her regional team Embury-Williams has helped change the face of construction in B.C., ensuring the use of more wood products and systems for a variety of building types.

She shared her years of industry experience and knowledge with the program and commented that, “although I will enjoy a rest, I will continue to support and assist this industry and the many amazing people I have worked with throughout my career.”

Embury-Williams joined the B.C. program in 2014. She previously worked for Canfor in market and product development. From 2009 to 2015, Embury-Williams chaired the NEWBuildS Forestry Network Program, which aims to advance the use of wood-based products in mid-rise, taller and non-residential construction.

She was named as a member of the new B.C. mass timber advisory council, which was established last year to accelerate the adoption of mass timber building systems. The advisory council consists of experts from urban planning and development, First Nations, forest products industry, environmental non-profits, academia and local governments. The council provides advice and guidance towards establishing B.C. as a leader in the production and use of mass timber, as well as the creation of a mass timber action plan.

The Canadian Wood Council and Wood WORKS! program expressed thanks to Embury-Williams for her dedication and tremendous achievements over the past eight years.

“We want to thank Lynn for her leadership and guidance of the Wood WORKS! BC program”, comments Rick Jeffery, interim president and CEO for the Canadian Wood Council, “Her dedication to growing sustainable markets in Canada is commendable.  We are extremely grateful to Lynn for her passion and dedication to the program.”

The search for a new executive director is underway.