Team Hancock is thrilled to announce Sawmill Chief Sales Officer, Matt Duprey, has been elected as the newest Chairman of the Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association (NeLMA). Established in 1933, NeLMA is the rules-writing agency for eastern white pine lumber and the grading authority for the SPFs grouping of species that includes eastern spruce, balsam fir, red pine, and other commercially important softwood lumber species grown in the northeast and great lakes regions.
A part of Team Hancock since 1994, Matt joined the sawmills after earning his Forestry and Wood Science + Technology degree. First starting in the yard at the Casco Mill, he eventually working his way through various positions and into his current role as chief sales officer of eastern white pine. He currently oversees the logistics and mill scheduling group, along with all customer relations programs for Hancock Lumber’s eastern white pine business. Prior to his appointment as NeLMA Chairman, Matt also served as the chair of their marketing committee for a decade.
Continuing a long-standing Hancock Lumber tradition, Matt joins a trio of past Hancock leaders who also served as chair of NeLMA. Fourth generation owner, Kenneth Hancock, served two terms as Chairman from 1940-1944, while his son and fifth generation, David Hancock, served in that position from 1977-1979. The company’s first non-Hancock president, Toby Hammond, served as NeLMA chair from 1986-1989.
Sixth generation owner, Carol Hancock and the late David Hancock’s wife, sent a congratulatory note upon hearing the news of his appointment and shared a bit of NeLMA’s history below,
Lawrence Robbins, Wilbur Hammond, and Kenneth Hancock—three greats who saw the need and worked together to create a vision for an organization such as NeLMA. Three men running and building their own family businesses who were in competition with each other—but at the same time cheering for each other—and sharing information back and forth. I love their joint respect for each other, shared friendships, and visionary outlook of stewarding an organization such as NeLMA. What an honor to have you carry on this tradition, Matt—congratulations!
—Carol Hancock, Sixth Generation Owner
Current NeLMA President, Jeff Easterling, welcomed Matt to the new position with enthusiasm and looks forward to the unique insight and knowledge he will bring to the role,
NeLMA is pleased to see Matt continue his ascent within the organization as he steps into the Chairman of the Board of Directors role. As a long-time participant with multiple roles within the organization, Matt’s familiarity with NeLMA and the industry will be invaluable as he provides direction for its membership in the upcoming two years.
—Jeff Easterling, NeLMA President
Matt could not be more excited to take on the elevated position with NeLMA, and has clear and lofty goals already in place for his two-year term.
I have been involved in NeLMA for over 25 years. I always liked the idea that NeLMA is “better together” when it comes to working towards the good of the membership’s mills. I love the history and the fact that Hancock Lumber has had four different people in the role of Chairman. The shear fact that competitors in today’s environments can come together and work on the organization as a team with collective goals is impressive and needed. I am a proponent of if you are going to be involved, then get after it. My time with NeLMA has been serving on the Marketing Committee, with roughly ten years as Chair of the Marketing Committee, Board of Directors for six years, Advisory Board Member and now, Chairman. I feel quite proud of this appointment and will do my best to do a good job and pass this organization along in better shape to the next person.
—Matt Duprey, Chief Sales Officer, Hancock Lumber
From all of us on Team Hancock, congratulations on earning this new leadership role at NeLMA, Matt!
About Hancock Lumber
Being in the lumber business since 1848 says more about Hancock Lumber’s commitment to the future than it does about their past. Today, the company is a seventh-generation, family-owned integrated forest products company that is passionate about their people-first and values driven culture. Operating high-efficiency white pine sawmills, a network of lumberyards, truss and wall panel manufacturing facilities, and full-service kitchen design showrooms, Team Hancock is led by over 700 employees. Hancock Lumber has been named a ‘Best Place to Work’ since 2014, a testament to the energy and work they put into creating a culture that truly makes a difference. Shop 24/7 and learn more online at www.HancockLumber.com.
