The Forest Resources Association (FRA) has elected Kevin Hudson, Senior Vice President of Forest Resources and Recycled Fiber at Smurfit Westrock, as Chairman of the Board during the FRA 2026 Annual Meeting. Hudson will serve as chairman for the next two years, succeeding outgoing Chairman Josh Sandt of Canfor Southern Pine.
Commenting on his appointment, Kevin Hudson highlighted the importance of the association’s broad membership base and the value of collaboration across the forest products supply chain. “We are an organization with a diverse membership — one of our greatest strengths — allowing us to hear and learn from perspectives across our industry and throughout the wood supply chain,” Hudson said. He also expressed confidence in the continued work of the association alongside FRA’s board members, committees and staff.
Tim O’Hara, President and CEO of FRA, welcomed the appointment and underlined Hudson’s extensive experience within the forest products sector. “Kevin brings decades of experience and leadership within the forest products industry, along with a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the wood supply chain. His insight and steady leadership will serve FRA and its members well,” O’Hara said.
Hudson has held the role of Senior Vice President of Forest Resources and Recycled Fiber at Smurfit Westrock since 2012. In this position, he oversees teams in the United States and Canada responsible for the sustainable procurement of virgin and recycled fibre.
According to FRA, his responsibilities include the sourcing of more than 31 million tons of virgin fibre and approximately 6.5 million tons of recycled fibre annually for the company’s 21 paper mills across North America. He also oversees operations within Smurfit Westrock’s network of recycling facilities in the United States, as well as activities related to fibre sales, sustainability strategies and fibre certification programs.
Before joining Smurfit Westrock, Hudson held several leadership roles at Temple-Inland, where he gained extensive experience in fibre supply, procurement operations and sustainability initiatives. He concluded his time at the company as Vice President of Fiber Supply and Procurement for the building products and containerboard divisions.
Hudson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from University of Tennessee and Master’s degrees in Forestry and Business Administration from Auburn University.
The Forest Resources Association represents more than 300 organisations and businesses operating throughout the forest products industry supply chain, including forest landowners, suppliers, mills, forestry associations and related companies across the United States.
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