Tropical Forest Foundation Elects Shawn Draper as New Board Chair

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tropical Forest Foundation (TFF) today announced the election of Shawn Draper, partner and president of the Home & Building division at IMRE, as its new Chair of the Board of Directors. Draper joined the TFF Board in 2010 and the Executive Committee in 2011. He replaces John Carpenter, who joined the Executive Committee in 2008 and became Chair in 2010.

"Shawn has been active with TFF for many years.  He has been an integral part of creating the foundation's strategy and the continuing accomplishment of our goals," said Bob Johnston, executive director of TFF. "In addition to his strong leadership skills, his experience in communications will help us better inform the world about the importance of sustainable forestry management."

Draper is partner and president at IMRE, a full-service marketing firm with a long history of exemplary work in the Home & Building industries. Previously, he served as a marketing executive at several manufacturers. Known throughout the industry as an innovative thinker and expert at building award-winning teams, Draper brings decades of experience to his new role at TFF. 

"I believe in both TFF's work in sustainable forestry management and the fact that the results speak to the importance of what we are doing," said Draper. "Many companies and governments don't yet realize that sustainable forestry is a benefit to everyone involved, from individuals like TFF employees working to protect the rainforest to the indigenous people who can use the practices taught by our foundation to build their local economies. I'm honored that my fellow TFF board members have chosen me as chair, and look forward to helping the foundation deliver even greater results in the future."

In other TFF election news, Kevin Thieneman, who replaced Carpenter as President of Caterpillar Forest Products, was elected to TFF's Executive Committee. Carpenter was named as the leader of a new Caterpillar unit focused on construction technology.

About the Tropical Forest Foundation
The Tropical Forest Foundation (TFF) is an international, non-profit, educational institution committed to advancing environmental stewardship, economic prosperity, and social responsibility through sustainable forest management (SFM). TFF regional programs in Asia Pacific, Africa and South America have become synonymous with the promotion and training of Reduced Impact Logging (RIL). For over 20 years, TFF has fostered dialogue and alliances among industry, government, and academia, as well as the research and conservation communities to improve tropical forest management around the world and increase the economic value of these forests for those who depend upon its bounty for their livelihood. To learn more about the Tropical Forest Foundation, visit http://www.tropicalforestfoundation.org/.

SOURCE IMRE; Tropical Forest Foundation