The U.S. Industrial Pellet Association (USIPA) has announced the appointment of Darrell Smith as its new Executive Director. Darrell Smith takes over from Elizabeth Woodworth who served as USIPA’s Interim Executive Director for the past 18 months, and brings "a wealth of association leadership experience and diverse industry expertise to USIPA."
Since 2011, USIPA has served as the wood energy sector trade association, promoting sustainability and safety practices within the industry, advocating for wood energy as a smart solution to climate change, and supporting renewable energy policy development around the globe.
Its members represent all aspects of the wood pellet export industry, including pellet producers, traders, equipment manufacturers, bulk shippers, and service providers.
We are thrilled to welcome Darrell as our new Executive Director. His strategic vision and proven leadership will be invaluable as USIPA enters its next chapter and the role of renewable carbon in the global energy transition continues to evolve, said Thomas Reilley, USIPA Board Chair.
Proven leadership
Active in the public policy arena since 2002, Darrell Smith has a strong background in public policy, sustainability, safety, and supply chain having represented the mining, petroleum, waste, and chemical industries.
Recently, he served as President and CEO of the National Waste and Recycling Association followed by Executive Vice President of the Essential Minerals Association.
I’m excited to join an industry driving positive change in so many ways from promoting sustainable forestry to supporting decarbonization pathways across multiple sectors. There are tremendous opportunities ahead for USIPA, and I look forward to working with its members and stakeholders to advance the association’s goals and to helping lead the industry to new heights, said Darrell Smith.
Prior to his public policy career in Washington D.C., he worked in a variety of industries as a safety and environmental professional.
Darrell Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a Master of Science in Leadership from The Citadel, a Master of Environmental Science from the University of South Carolina, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Conflict from George Mason University.
Darrell Smith is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH). Originally from South Carolina (SC), he currently resides in Washington D.C.
Darrell Smith takes over from Elizabeth Woodworth who served as USIPA’s Interim Executive Director for the past 18 months.
Elizabeth has played a pivotal role in guiding the association while leading an extensive national search for a permanent Executive Director. We are grateful for her steady leadership and many contributions that have positioned USIPA for continued success, said Thomas Reilley.
An integral part of the US forestry sector
The US pellet industry is an integral part of the forestry sector providing a critical ecosystem for low-value fiber management. The incremental revenue it generates helps landowners protect against land use change which is the biggest threat to our nation’s forests.
Traditionally used to generate renewable power and heat, applications for wood pellets are expanding into new sectors including advanced biofuels, decarbonizing industry, and carbon removal through Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS).
American pellet exports set a record in 2024 with 10 million tonnes valued at US$1.86 billion.
