OTTAWA, Ontario – Lynn MacKinlay, lead professor of the Cabinetmaking Techniques program at Georgian College, has been hired at president of the Wood Manufacturing Council (WMC).

MacKinlay succeeds Richard Lipman, who has been with the WMC for more than 20 years. Lipman will remain with the WMC for a short period to support the transition.

Lynn MacKinlay

A certified Red Seal Cabinetmaker, MacKinlay has a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Dalhousie University. She had a 20-year career in industry working in architectural millwork, residential renovations, and set construction in film and television.  

For the past 11 years MacKinlay has headed the Cabinetmaking Techniques program at Georgian College and has served as coordinator for both the carpentry and cabinetmaking programs at the Barrie campus for the last five years. In addition, she has been active in promoting careers in skilled trades and wood manufacturing to people throughout Canada with expertise in support for underrepresented people transitioning into skilled trades careers. MacKinlay has amassed considerable expertise regarding equity and diversity and addressing barriers to meaningful inclusion.  

WMC Chairman Pete Fournier, president of Triangle Kitchen, said, “We are extremely pleased to have Lynn leading our team.  She brings a tremendous breadth of experience – skilled trades, education, diversity – and she will make a tremendous contribution to our organization.  We look forward to having her lead our efforts to support the wood manufacturing sector to attract new workers with right skills and to enhance the skills of our existing workforce.”

MacKinlay and Lippman will both be at next week's Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo, including participating in the inaugural WMS Student Day.

WMC is a national HR organization that collaborates with industry, educators, trade associations, and governments to implement HR solutions to ensure the success of the Canadian Advanced Wood Processing sector.  WMC works to identify the necessary skills and knowledge required to address key issues affecting the sector in Canada and develops products and training programs to address HR challenges for the future success of the industry.