The Westervelt Company has announced a few changes to its leadership team, including a new chief operating officer and a new vice president and general manager-wood products, both of whom will take over effective January 1, 2023.
Cade Warner has been promoted to chief operating officer after serving as Westervelt’s chief sustainability officer. He will be responsible for the company’s five business operations: forest resources, wood products, ecological services, real estate, and New Zealand, as well as business development and information services. Cade will work closely with President and CEO Brian Luoma in overseeing operations and implementing Westervelt’s strategic plan.
“We continue to prepare our next generation of leaders,” Luoma said. “I have tremendous confidence in Cade?s leadership ability as we continue our focus on disciplined growth, operating sustainably, and ensuring that we promote operational excellence across the company.”
Elsewhere, Westervelt promoted Mark Richardson, who is the 2022-23 Southern Forest Products Association board chairman, to vice president and general manager-wood products, as Joe Patton retires after a 24-plus year career with the company and an instrumental leader for the SFPA, helping guide association programs and serving on the board of directors for several years.
“Joe has had a remarkable career at Westervelt, and he has shaped our lumber business into an industry leader in quality, safety, and culture,” Luoma said. “He leaves a long legacy of leadership that has benefited our entire industry. Mark has worked closely with Joe as the lumber sales and marketing director, and we’re excited to welcome him to his new role.”
Other leadership changes include:
- Rick Brignac, promoted to lumber sales and marketing director from senior sales representative, and
- Bryan Martin, promoted to manufacturing director from process excellences director.