Forest Products Conference - Webcast

Mark McMullen brings a wealth of expertise to CSI, having served as the longest-tenured Chief Economist for the State of Oregon under three governors. Serving under a fourth governor as interim Chief Economist his first year, Mark accumulated 14 years of invaluable experience in the governor's office. Before joining CSI, Mark held prominent roles, including Director of Consulting at Moody's Analytics and researcher at the Congressional Budget Office. He earned his undergraduate degree from Pomona College and completed his graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

Mark's dedication to Oregon extends beyond his professional career. He chaired the Governor's Council of Economic Advisors and contributed to task forces addressing critical issues such as wildfires, COVID response, and student success. Additionally, he actively participated in various economic organizations, including the Workforce and Talent Development Board, Oregon Council of Economic Education, Oregon Government Finance Officers Association, and Oregon Banker's Association.

With strong ties to Oregon's heritage, Mark's family roots in farming and timber work have shaped his understanding of the state's economic landscape. Alongside his professional accomplishments, Mark finds joy in his 27-year marriage and cherishes time spent with his three adult children.

(11/5/24)

Julie Woodward

As the Director of Forestry, Julie oversees OFRI’s landowner education program and serves as the lead forester. She also serves as a liaison with the forestry and forest science communities. Julie has been professionally engaged in Oregon’s forest sector for over 25 years, including teaching and communicating to a variety of public, landowner and forest sector audiences. Julie holds a bachelor’s degree in forest management and business administration, and a master’s degree in natural resources education and extension, both from Oregon State University. She was awarded “Forester of the Year” in 2009 from the Oregon Society of American Foresters. Julie is a native Oregonian, and spends her free time exploring the far corners of Oregon with her family.

Steven Bell is an attorney at Dunn Carney, LLP, and he focuses his practice on the creation and administration of complex trusts to meet business succession planning, tax planning, and family needs, and in navigating the complexities of charitable gift planning for both individual donors and for tax-exempt entities. Steve helps clients navigate the complexities of trust and estate administration, seeking solutions to practical and tax planning considerations. Steve received his J.D. from the University of North Carolina, and his B.A. from Elon University.

edited 10-18-24

Dr. Brooks Mendell has three decades of consulting, operating, and research experience in the forest products and timber industries.  His experience includes roles in harvest operations and procurement with Weyerhaeuser, in management consulting with Accenture, and as a faculty member in forestry and finance at the University of Georgia. A Fulbright Scholar in Uruguay, Dr. Mendell founded Forisk in 2004. He has broad domestic and international experience supporting small businesses, Fortune 500 corporations and public organizations.  An inductee in the Georgia Foresters Hall of Fame, he earned B.S. and M.S. degrees at MIT, an MBA at the University of California at Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in Forest Finance at UGA.

(3/8/22)

Dr. Brooks Mendell has three decades of consulting, operating, and research experience in the forest products and timber industries.  His experience includes roles in harvest operations and procurement with Weyerhaeuser, in management consulting with Accenture, and as a faculty member in forestry and finance at the University of Georgia. A Fulbright Scholar in Uruguay, Dr. Mendell founded Forisk in 2004. He has broad domestic and international experience supporting small businesses, Fortune 500 corporations and public organizations.  An inductee in the Georgia Foresters Hall of Fame, he earned B.S. and M.S. degrees at MIT, an MBA at the University of California at Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in Forest Finance at UGA.

(3/8/22)

Sara Stretch

Sara Stretch is a Senior Technical Consultant at Fixed Fee IT, where she has been a key member of the team for over 12 years. She designs, implements, and supports technical solutions for clients across a wide range of industries, with a strong focus on accounting, wealth management, and law. Sara specializes in environments that are subject to strict regulatory and security requirements, helping organizations not only meet but exceed industry standards. She is passionate about empowering clients to confidently use and enjoy their technology while staying secure in an ever-evolving digital landscape.