The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) named LP Building Solutions chairman and CEO W. Bradley Southern to the association’s board of directors. Southern will join the NAM’s board to bolster the association’s leadership in policy advocacy, workforce solutions, operational excellence, and news and insights, according to a news release.
“I am honored to be a part of NAM’s board and continue to advocate for policies that will ensure our continued growth and success as manufacturers,” Southern said in a prepared statement. “With more than 12 million men and women employed in manufacturing, NAM serves as a critical linchpin focused on growth and prosperity for all Americans.”
NAM, founded in 1895, is the largest industrial trade association in the United States, with more than 14,000 members. The association’s membership includes some of the “world’s most iconic brands” and many of the small manufacturers that power the United States economy. Nearly 90% of the NAM’s members are small- and medium-sized businesses.
Southern joined LP in 1999 and became the company’s CEO in 2017. He was elected chairman of the board at LP in 2020. In his role as chairman and CEO, Southern directs LP’s strategic transformation and is responsible for all aspects of LP’s business and operations.
“Brad commands respect as a recognized leader in our industry, and NAM will be stronger thanks to his service on our board of directors,” NAM president and CEO Jay Timmons said. “He will bring invaluable insights as we work to drive even more manufacturing growth in America, advocate for the men and women of our industry, and advance our values of free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty, and equal opportunity.”
According to the news release, board members play a key role in NAM’s Creators Wanted campaign, a member-driven initiative to inspire and drive more Americans to pursue modern manufacturing careers. Through various initiatives, Creators Wanted seeks to cut the skills gap by 600,000 workers by 2025 and increase the number of students enrolling in technical/vocational schools and apprenticeships, as well as the number of parents encouraging their children to pursue a career in modern manufacturing.
Nashville, Tenn.-based LP Building Solutions manufactures engineered wood building products. The company’s offering of products include the LP Structural Solutions portfolio, oriented strand board, LP TopNotch Sub-Flooring, LP SmartSide Trim & Siding, LP Outdoor Building Solutions, and LP Elements Performance Fencing. LP Operates 26 plants across the United States, Canada, Chile, and Brazil.
