Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors champions the interests of independent forest industry contractors by offering comprehensive guidance on workforce management and nurturing robust stakeholder relations. They address the evolving needs of their members, promoting effective communication and collaboration within the forestry sector through their dedicated leadership.
Bill Nelson
Chair
Bill Nelson resides in Campbell River and has worked in the forest industry for over 40 years. A past president of the BC Truck Logger Association, Bill has been a partner in Holbrook Dyson Logging for 30 years. He currently manages HDL’s, Newcastle Logging operation at LKMS. Bill also serves as a director of the Campbell River Forestry Education Association.
Shawn D. Nicholson
Director
Shawn Nicholson has over three decades of experience in the British Columbia forest industry. Shawn began his career working on the ground in forestry operations and through hard work and dedication, he quickly learned that becoming a forestry business owner was going to be the goal. With a history of taking on increasingly challenging roles, Shawn gained valuable insights into every aspect of the industry. Known for his passion for environmental sustainability and responsible forestry management, Shawn’s innovative approach has enabled him to collaborate between business and environmental interests. He has worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between industry stakeholders, environmental organizations, government agencies, and First Nations by fostering dialogue and driving positive change. As a lifetime Vancouver Island resident, Shawn is deeply involved in community initiatives and volunteers at various organizations where he is a respected board member; previously serving on the board of directors at Qalayit Community Forest for over six years. In these capacities, Shawn plays a key role in shaping policy, promoting best practices, and advocating for the interests of both the industry and the environment. In addition to his volunteer and community work, Shawn owns and operates the Kaatza Group of Companies. Outside of professional endeavors, Shawn enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family.
Jacqui Beban
Director
Jacqui has been serving on the IWS Board of Directors since 2024. As the former president of the Truck Loggers Association for 2016-18, and the president of the Pacific Logging Congress for 2022-23 Jacqui continues to be an advocate for the coastal logging community. Jacqui has deep multi-generational roots in the logging industry, being a fourth-generation logger on her father’s side and third generation on her mother’s. In 2011, she co-founded Nootka Sound Timber, leveraging decades of family expertise to create a successful partnership. In 2016 made history as the first female president of the Truck Loggers Association. Jacqui's family history with logging stretches back to 1949 with her maternal grandfather’s company, Fedje and Gunderson Ltd., still thriving today. Her hands-on approach and commitment to the industry’s advancement have earned her respect and admiration from peers and colleagues alike. Jacqui believes that this is an exciting time to be in the logging industry, with its focus on safety, sustainability, environmental stewardship, technological advancements, and partnerships with First Nations. Jacqui's experience encompasses managing forest licenses, overseeing operations, and building strong relationships with employees and industry stakeholders. She has been instrumental in aligning Nootka Sound Timber’s goals with those of licensees, ensuring timely wood delivery and fostering collaborative business practices. Jacqui continues to be an advocate for the coastal logging community, dedicated to bringing new talent into the industry and maintaining high standards of operation and safety.
Steve Venus
Director
Steve Venus is the owner of Blue Thunder Contracting and a certified professional faller.
Colin Shantz
Director
Colin is one of the founding members of IWS and the President of Big Lake Logging and Big Lake Trucking. Colin has over 25 years of forestry experience.
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Tiina Mackey
Board Secretary
Please direct any questions regarding membership or to share feedback about our website to Tiina at Info@indepdendentwoodlands.com
Negotiating Committee
As the designated bargaining representative for its member companies, the IWS negotiation team represents our voice in collective bargaining. We place our confidence in their expertise to negotiate fair agreements to benefit all parties involved.
Jeff Ternan
Lead Negotiator
With over thirty years in the forest industry, Jeff brings a wealth of experience in managing large-scale operations for Western Forest Products. For more than two decades, he led their most efficient and financially successful teams. Jeff is recognized for his commitment to safety, strong team-building skills, and effective stakeholder relationships. As a consultant for logging contractors and a representative of the Independent Woodlands Society, Jeff is committed to fostering a vibrant and sustainable forestry industry in British Columbia. Upon his recent retirement, Jeff launched a consulting business to support forest industry contractors and licensees. His primary focus is on enhancing financial performance, improving efficiency, and providing labour relations guidance to optimize team performance.
Rob Wood
Negotiator
Robert Wood has worked in the B.C. Forest Industry for 53 years, 45 of those years as an independent logging contractor. Current operations consist of stump to dump contracts for Western Forest Products in the Englewood TFL 37 operation and Lak-Kwa sa muqw Forestry Limited in TFL 64. He is also involved in market and contract logging with First Nations Tenures and the B.C. Timber Sales Program. Rob is a graduate of the BCIT Forest Resource Program and a Past President of the Truck Loggers Association.
Norm Macleod
Negotiator
Following his retirement from the union in January 2021, Norm took on a new role as a Labour Relations Consultant with IWS. Norm is the kind of person you want in your corner, bringing fairness and wisdom to arbitration. His guiding principle, "look for resolve, not the fight," has earned him a reputation as a peacemaker and a problem solver. Norm has attended 67 arbitrations, losing only 2. Norm was raised in the lower mainland and moved to Vancouver Island in 1976. He is known for his leadership and strong commitment to the logging community. Norm started his career in forestry in 1976 at the Franklin River Division. He was elected to the Franklin River Camp Committee in 1994. In 2004, Norm was elected Vice Chairman at Franklin River, a testament to his leadership skills and steadfast commitment. In 2005, he took on the role of 3rd Vice President for Local 1-85, which he held until 2009, when he was promoted to 2nd Vice President of Local 1-85. In 2015 Norm was elected as President of Local 1-85. During his tenure saw the historic merger of Local 1-85 with Local 1937, expanding his role. In 2018, Norm continued his service as the 3rd Vice President of the newly formed Local 1937.
Mike Green
Negotiator
Mike was born in ‘Namgis Territory on Northern Vancouver Island and lives with his family in Hyde Creek. He has worked in many diverse roles in the BC Forest Industry in operations, planning, and management over the last 30 years, mostly in Kwakwaka’wakw Territories. Mike received a Bachelor of Science at the University of Victoria and is committed to healthy ecosystems and a sustainable economy in the North Island. He is a board member for the Mount Cain Alpine Park Society and is passionate about outdoor activities; especially skiing, mountain biking, and hiking.