American Forest Resource Council to Have New Executive
July 31, 2015 — The American Forest Resource Council (AFRC) has named Travis Joseph as its next President. Joseph will join AFRC after eight years in Washington D.C. working for Congressman DeFazio, the House Committee on Natural Resources, and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Joseph grew up in Springfield, Oregon. Through high school and college, he helped his father manage the family business in Eugene and Creswell, working his way up from janitor to Assistant Manager. He’s the first in his family to graduate from college by earning a degree from the University of Oregon. He later earned his master’s degree in environmental policy from the London School of Economics.
Joseph spent the last eight years in Washington D.C. working for Congressman Peter DeFazio –his hometown Congressman – the House Natural Resources Committee, and most recently the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. In all of his roles working for Congress, Joseph focused on Pacific Northwest policy generally and forest policy specifically. He helped write federal legislation to improve management of the O&C Lands in Western Oregon that twice passed the House of Representatives. He also worked on regional water, energy, wildlife, and conservation issues.
“I can’t wait to get back home and get started,” Joseph said. “Working for Congressman DeFazio has been an extraordinary experience. Now it’s time to head back to Oregon and try to make a difference in an industry that cares about our communities and what makes home so special, our incredible natural resources. It’s a great fit.”
Outgoing president Tom Partin had this to add; “I am proud of what AFRC has achieved over the 15 years I have been privileged to be its President. With its strong membership, tremendously talented staff and Travis’ enthusiastic leadership, I am confident AFRC will continue to be an effective voice for the industry and our rural communities well into the future,” Partin said.
Travis Joseph will begin in his new role on September 1, 2015.
AFRC is a regional trade association which advocates for sustained yield timber harvests on public timberlands throughout the West to enhance forest health and resistance to fire, insects, and disease. It represents over 50 timber manufacturers and landowners in five Western states.
