To our dear volunteers…we can’t do it without you! We exist for YOU! In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 18-24), AWFS® recognizes and thanks the volunteers who we serve and make our work possible!
Our Volunteer Leadership commits their time to participate in regular meetings and make big decisions about the strategy and direction of work for AWFS® and the AWFS®Fair. They oversee the budget, engage in strategic planning, recommend member benefit programs, advise on critical AWFS®Fair decisions, participate in the DC Fly-in and other advocacy efforts, and support educational activities such as SkillsUSA and MFG Day.
The AWFS® Board of Directors represents a cross section of its membership and the industries in which they specialize. The AWFS® leadership is composed of people who are dedicated to “giving back” to the industries in which they have built their careers.
President: Daniel Hershberger, Weinig/Holz-Her
Vice President: Rob Howell, WSI Machinery Inc.
Secretary/Treasurer: Michael Cassell, Weinig/Holz-Her
Past President: Philip Martin, 3C-IRM
Trade Show Chair: Brian Joyce, Blum Inc.
Board Members:
Carla Aguiar, Bessey Tools N.A.
Mark Alster, Leitz Tooling LP
Joel Boyles, Décore-ative Specialties
Bob Brown, Royal Plywood
Karl Frey, Colonial Saw Company
Brian Hansen, Gemini Coatings
Jim Irving, Drawer Box Specialties
Randy Jamison, Biesse America
Hannah Faria Khalaf, Surfprep Sanding
Jonathan Thompson, E.B. Bradley
Wade Gregory (consultant), WG Management Services
Learn more about the AWFS Board here
Liaison between AWFS’ Board and show producers. Charged with enhancing and strengthening the value of the AWFS®Fair to AWFS members and AWFS Fair exhibitors and attendees.
Committee Chair: Brian Joyce, Blum, Inc.
See the full Trade Show Committee here
Develops services that will attract and retain members including business services, education/research and other opportunities. Also reviews membership qualifications, dues and other issues pertaining to attraction and retention.
Committee Chair: Jim Irving, Drawer Box Specialties
Meet the Membership Committee here
Monitors, counsels and acts on all appropriate issues relating to regional, state and federal legislative initiatives and regulations that could impact the association, its members and the industry.
Committee Chair: Bob Brown, Royal Plywood
Check out the Public Policy Committee here
Responsible for developing new opportunities for promoting and supporting technical and industry-specific education.
Committee Chair: Rob Howell, WSI Machinery, Inc.
Read more on the Education Committee here
If you feel a draw to give back to the industry and get involved, please consider applying for a volunteer role! Volunteer opportunities are open to employees of AWFS® Member companies in good standing. While the official Board and Committee application period is later this year, the application is always open and we will reach out to you when we begin reviewing applications!
If you have any questions or concerns, contact AWFS® at (800) 946-2937.