For the past five years, Mark Barford has served the hardwood industry as the Executive Director of the National Hardwood Lumber Association, a nearly 110 year old association with over 1,600 members. NHLA is based in Memphis, TN, with the primary mission to maintain structure, order and ethics in the hardwood marketplace.

Mark has worked with the forest products industry since his graduation with a BS in Forest Resources from Syracuse College of Environmental Science and Forestry in 1975. His experience includes work as a field forester, timber buyer and logger. His work with industry associations began in 1981, and he has held various positions at the Hardwood Research Council, Virginia Forest Products Association, the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association and the Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc.

Professionally, he has earned the designations as Certified Association Executive and Certified Forester. He travels extensively throughout the United States and the world talking about the importance of North American hardwoods.