IWPA hires new manager of government and public affairs

The International Wood Products Association hired Ashley Amidon as its manager of government and public affairs, replacing outgoing manager Brigid Shea.

Amidon supported five members of congress as their Washington, D.C.-based fundraiser with Hammond & Associates. Prior to that, she worked on behalf of the Republican National Committee and on a variety of state and national political campaigns after receiving her Master of Arts in globalization and governance from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom, according to the trade group.

“Miss Amidon’s broad global perspective and detailed understanding for the ways of Washington benefits IWPA greatly,” said Brent McClendon, IWPA executive vice president. “She comes to the job already prepared to work with Congress, regulatory agencies, and a wide-variety of international stakeholders on policies that advance global trade in wood products.

“The shifting political climate on Capitol Hill brings trade and environmental policies front and center,” said Amidon. “I am excited to work with IWPA members to assure we continue to project a strong voice for responsible policies and programs that grow the North American and global market for legal and sustainable hardwood and softwood products.”

IWPA is a 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.