News Forestry Workforce
FSC Canada president temporarily overseeing US operations

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Canada president Francois Dufresne is serving as part-time interim president to FSC US after its president recently stepped down.

After 13 years at the helm, FSC US President Corey Brinkema departed the organization for family reasons.

“Over the past year, with the steadily declining health of his parents, Corey has been torn by his commitment to family and the demands of leading FSC US,” says the organization in a statement. “He found it nearly impossible to do justice to both.”

Dufresne will oversee operations until a permanent hire is made.

“The FSC US board of directors expresses its deep gratitude to Corey for his leadership, vision and positive impact on the FSC system,” says the organization.

“During his tenure, FSC witnessed solid growth that has benefitted people, organizations and forests across the United States.”

Brinkema oversaw the development of the first FSC US Forest Management Standard (v1.0) and the U.S. Controlled Wood National Risk Assessment.

He helped create the FSC Leadership Awards to celebrate commitment to forest conservation and 2017’s “One Simple Action” campaign, which brought together a diverse set of brands and companies, including HP, International Paper, Kimberly-Clark, McDonald’s, Procter & Gamble and Williams-Sonoma.

The board of directors is committed to transparency and inclusiveness and welcomes suggestions and feedback. Stakeholders can reach the transition team at transitionteam@us.fsc.org.