Ward Lumber recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of its transition to a worker-owned cooperative in March 2021 and is announcing a leadership transition as Bryan Mellick steps back from the CEO role to take an advisory role. This allows Director of Sales Josh Travis to take on an interim role leading operations for the company.
While the company’s roots date back to 1890, its move to employee ownership has marked the beginning of a new chapter—a path chosen for shared responsibility, cultural transformation, and long-term sustainability.
Over the past several years, Ward Lumber has undergone significant growth and transformation, aligning its structure and leadership with cooperative principles. Governance of the company is guided by a Board of Directors elected from within the membership, while organization and business strategy have been led by Mellick as CEO.
Mellick joined Ward Lumber more than two years ago as the first CEO brought in from outside the Ward family. “The challenge to develop a high-performing team from a great talent pool with a new decision-making structure drew me to the opportunity with Ward Lumber,” stated Mellick. His tenure resulted in a team that is now ready to lead the company, while he moves back to southern New England for new opportunities and family obligations. The company appreciates his major contributions during this pivotal period and wishes him well in his endeavors.
This transition continues Ward Lumber’s commitment to building a resilient, member-led organization. By investing in its people and embracing cooperative governance, the company continues to position itself for a strong, sustainable future within the lumber and building materials industry.
