26 WESTERN PALLET
incredible. We faced challenges together and developed strategic plans to move the association forward. I hope my time and energy over the years continue to bear fruit for the WPA. Mentoring the next generation of members is important to me—there is so much potential for the future.
Emily: I’ve focused on building relationships and trust—both within our committee and across the association. It’s about staying engaged, listening to everyone’s input, and pushing forward even when progress feels slow. I’m really proud of the goals we’ve set for 2025, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together. Ultimately, I want to leave a legacy where advocacy is truly at the core of everything we do. I also hope to inspire the next generation of leaders—especially women—to step up and make a difference.
Marcus: I hope that my experience in the industry, combined with continued efforts to educate myself on global trends impacting our sector, contributes to the WPA’s success and provides value to both the board and membership. I don’t typically think of myself in terms of a legacy, but I do hope that my contributions bring meaningful value to the association and its members.
Nic: I wish more people knew that a Board of Directors is nothing more than a group of volunteers who want the best outcome for the future of the WPA. I hope people look at me and say, “If he can do it, I can do it too!” There’s this weird taboo around board positions, like you need to have some special qualifications. I thought the same thing when I first joined, but that’s not true. If you’re passionate about the pallet industry, that’s all you need to be a great board or committee member.
Justin: This is a tougher question for me. Leadership comes in many forms. Some take charge by leading committees or presenting in Master Learning Groups. Others contribute by sharing their insights in meetings or on Zoom calls. Active participation, in any form, is what strengthens our association, our industry, and our businesses. Whether you're speaking at an event or simply engaging in discussions, every effort adds to the collective success of the WPA.
Scott: Through long-term planning sessions, I have helped establish a clear vision for WPA’s future, ensuring sustainable growth and strategic development. These sessions have provided a foundation for innovation, allowing the association to adapt to industry changes while maintaining its core mission. Serving as treasurer, vice president, and president, I have contributed at every level of leadership, each role bringing unique challenges and opportunities. My legacy is one of strategic growth, financial strength, and leadership excellence. I hope to have set a standard of dedication and forward-thinking that will continue to influence WPA for years to come.
Bottom line, the voices of WPA leaders show a clear commitment to growth, teamwork, and resilience. While each leader brings a different perspective, they all agree—strong leadership is about listening, adapting, and helping others succeed.
They make no bones about it. Volunteer leadership is a significant commitment, but one well worth the effort. And it is one that you can sign up for without knowing all the answers. Like many past and present WPA leaders, you can learn on the job!
As the WPA moves forward, these leaders are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more connected industry. By sharing knowledge, setting goals, and supporting members, they ensure the association remains a valuable resource. Their hope is that more members will step up, realizing that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about making a difference.
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