Class 210 Graduates from NHLA Inspector Training School (ITS)
- NHLA
- Dec 1
- 3 min read
NHLA’s Inspector Training School (ITS) celebrated the graduation of Class 210 on October 31 at the school’s Memphis campus, marking another milestone in a 77-year tradition of advancing grading expertise and strengthening the hardwood industry.
First row (seated): Allison Koeberl, Tyler Sandborn, Roman Matyushchenko (Instructor), Charlie Erekson, Trent Gray
Second row: Owen O’Donnell, Caleb Bell, Nathan Smith, Logan McCord, Ayham Massarani, Wade King, Gray Bigford, Logan Overbay.
NHLA Executive Director Dallin Brooks opened with a challenge and a charge: think beyond lumber grades to the larger environmental story that wood tells. “Every board you touch is half carbon,” he said, urging graduates to see their daily work as both an economic and environmental stewardship role. He underscored how carbon remains stored for the lifespan of wood products—and how strong wood markets keep forests as forests: “The forest that pays, stays.”
Class Instructor and Associate Dean Roman Matyushchenko congratulated the cohort—one of the largest in recent years—and thanked employers for investing in their teams.
Adam Conway of Superior Hardwoods of Ohio, who delivered the Graduation Address, reminded graduates that optimization technology only creates value when it’s guided by people who truly understand the NHLA Rules. “When you call a grade, you’re counting money,” Conway said. “Your education here gives you the foundation to be decision-makers—always look for the upgrade.”
Class President Logan McCord led his peers through the ceremony, representing his classmates with professionalism and pride.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Inspector Training School Educational Foundation (ITSEF) Scholarship: Logan McCord
Best Attitude & Citizenship: Owen O’Donnell
(Additional performance awards were presented during the ceremony.)
CLASS 210 GRADUATES & SPONSORS
• Caleb Bell — Superior Hardwoods of Ohio
• Gray Bigford — Northside Tie and Timber, LLC
• Charlie Erekson — Banks Hardwoods, Inc.
• Trent Gray — Volner Sawmill, Inc.
• Wade King — Volner Sawmill, Inc.
• Allison Ann Koeberl — East Perry Lumber Co.
• Ayham Massarani — Holtz Wood Export, Inc.
• Logan McCord — Independent
• Owen O’Donnell — Bauman Sawmill, Inc.
• Logan Overbay — Clinch River Hardwoods, Inc.
• Tyler Sandborn — Kamps Hardwoods, Inc.
• Nathan Smith — Superior Hardwoods of Ohio, Inc.
Graduates left with certificates—and a bigger mission. As Brooks framed it, Class 210 now carries two titles: hardwood professionals and environmental storytellers. With rules expertise, technology fluency, and a clear view of wood’s carbon value, they’re ready to create better products, stronger businesses, and healthier forests.
CONTINUING THE LEGACY
The Inspector Training School Educational Foundation (ITSEF) was established in 2012 by ITS alumni and industry supporters to help future students achieve their educational goals. Scholarships are awarded to individuals who demonstrate commitment to advancing in the hardwood industry but may need financial assistance to attend the program.
To learn more about ITSEF scholarships or to donate to support future students, visit nhla. com/education.
READY TO START YOUR JOURNEY? The NHLA Inspector Training School (ITS) offers one in-person session each year in Memphis, Tennessee. For those seeking a more flexible option, the NHLA Inspector Online Training Program provides the same foundational instruction through a three-module hybrid format that blends online learning with hands-on training.
UPCOMING HYBRID COURSE
Dates: December 1 – 12, 2025
Week 1 (Online): December 1 – 5 | 8 a.m.–12 p.m. (CST) Week 2 (On-Site): December 8 – 12 | 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (EST)
Venue: Yoder Lumber Co., Inc.,
7100 County Road 407,
Millersburg, OH 44654
Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko
This innovative hybrid course combines live online lectures with in-person, hands-on grading of species such as oak, maple, cherry, and poplar. It’s ideal for self-motivated learners seeking an affordable, flexible pathway to inspector certification.
Tuition: $2,100 for both weeks ($50 deposit due at registration) Online Week Only: $1,100
For details or to register, visit nhla.com/education or contact Roman Matyushchenko at r.matyushchenko@nhla.com or (901) 399-7569.
