The Next Growth Ring: How NHLA’s New Leaders Are Expanding Opportunity

As 2025 comes to a close, the National Hardwood Lumber Association has much to celebrate—new programs, expanded partnerships, and a growing sense of momentum across the industry. Two of NHLA’s newest team members, Dr. Sailesh Adhikari, Director of Research and Development, and Jared Klepko, JD, MBA, Corporate Partnership & Member Engagement Manager, have each made impressive strides in their first year, driving innovation, engagement, and long-term value for NHLA members.

TURNING RESEARCH INTO OPPORTUNITY

When Dr. Sailesh Adhikari joined NHLA in early 2025, he brought a clear mission: to transform research and collaboration into real market opportunities for hardwood products. Within just six months, Adhikari established NHLA as a leader in Thermally Modified Wood (TMW) and Structural Grade Hardwood Lumber (SGHL) development—two areas poised to redefine the future of the hardwood industry.

Under his leadership, NHLA formed and now leads the TMW Task-force, which is drafting the industry’s first performance-based standard for Thermally Modified Wood. The goal? To create a recognized certification program that boosts consumer confidence and unlocks new domestic and global markets. “Our mission is to transform challenges into opportunities—creating new markets, setting standards, and driving innovation that benefits the entire hardwood industry,” Adhikari said.

Adhikari’s team also completed the first industry-wide stakeholder survey on TMW, providing essential insights for market development, and produced a state-of-the-art report now under internal review—scheduled for release in March 2026. In parallel, he initiated a task force for SGHL to classify hardwood species by strength, paving the way for hardwood’s inclusion in the mass timber movement.

Beyond technical progress, Adhikari’s work is backed by major funding initiatives, including a grant application to the Richard King Mellon Foundation, designed to accelerate innovation and standardization in TMW markets. These efforts could unlock $50–$100 million annually in new market opportunities, create 50–100 new jobs, and generate up to $30 million in export potential—all while reducing lifecycle wood waste by up to 20% and saving 5,000 metric tons of carbon each year.

The impact of his work extends beyond data—it’s about positioning NHLA as a catalyst for sustainability, innovation, and global competitiveness. “This work creates credibility and confidence for hardwood products worldwide,” Adhikari noted. “By establishing clear standards and sustainable production models, we’re helping members gain access to the markets of tomorrow.”

STRENGTHENING THE BRIDGE BETWEEN MEMBERS AND VALUE

While Adhikari is building new opportunities for hardwood markets, Jared Klepko is strengthening the foundation that keeps NHLA thriving—its members.

Joining NHLA in mid-2025, Klepko took on a dual focus: expanding corporate partnerships and enhancing member engagement. In just six months, he helped grow NHLA’s roster of corporate partners from three to nine, introducing programs that directly benefit members through 401(k) access, medical benefits, and industrial purchasing discounts.

“Every new partnership we bring on is another way NHLA members can save money, strengthen their business, and see real value in their membership,” Klepko said.

These partnerships—spanning companies like Paychex, Lenovo, Dell, Ryan and Jacobs, and Greenlane—are more than perks. They represent a deeper commitment to helping members thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace. At the same time, Klepko has made member retention a top priority, reaching out personally to long-time members who appreciate reconnecting with the Association.

“What makes this work meaningful,” Klepko shared, “is hearing from members who’ve been a part of NHLA for decades and knowing they feel valued and supported. Retention starts with relationships—and that’s exactly what we’re building.”

Looking ahead, Klepko plans to expand the partner network even further while collecting data to quantify the return on investment (ROI) members experience through NHLA partnerships. This focus on both engagement and measurable value will ensure that NHLA remains not just relevant, but indispensable to its members.

THE ROAD TO 2026: INNOVATION MEETS CONNECTION

As NHLA prepares for 2026, the combined efforts of Adhikari and Klepko represent the organization’s dual strength: innovation and connection.

Adhikari’s work on TMW and SGHL promises to open entirely new markets—projected to add tens of millions in revenue and create new jobs—while advancing NHLA’s leadership in sustainability and technical standards. At the same time, Klepko’s success in expanding partnerships and deepening engagement ensures that every member benefits from those advancements, both financially and professionally.

Together, they are helping NHLA build a stronger, more connected future for the hardwood industry—one defined by opportunity, efficiency, and shared growth.

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By BRENNAH HUTCHISON,

Hardwood Industry Liaison & Content Director