GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The National Woods Board (NWB) announced the addition of two woodworking industry icons to its leadership team: Stephan Waltman and Gary LeBlanc. Their appointments reinforce the NWB’s mission to modernize woodworking education and secure the industry’s future workforce.
 Stephan Waltman |
In a corresponding move, Joe Wadsworth, CEO of Custom Source Woodworking, has transitioned from the NWB Board of Directors to the NWB Advisory Board, maintaining his strategic support for the organization.
Waltman was elected to the NWB Board of Directors. A 35-year veteran of Stiles Machinery, he retired as VP of Sales & Marketing in 2017.
While at Stiles, Waltman was instrumental in helping launch the
Manufacturing Industry Learning Lab (MiLL) in Colorado Springs. The NWB has updated the MiLL’s unique woodworking curriculum by incorporating the Woodwork Career Alliance’s skill standards and credentialing program. The NWB curriculum is being rolled out throughout the United States to teach high school and postsecondary students skills that will prepare them for successful woodworking careers.
 Gary LeBlanc |
Since his retirement, Waltman has stayed active in all-things woodworking. That includes volunteering as a woodworking instructor at a veteran’s hospital and Next Step West Michigan, where he also serves on the advisory
board. Last year, Next Step participated in a pilot program using the NWB curriculum.
“I’m proud to have been involved with woodworking education my whole life and professional career,” Waltman said. “I’m honored to be on The National Woods Board as a way of continuing my interest in developing intentional career development in the woodworking industry.”
LeBlanc joins the new NWB Advisory Board. Currently the Organizational Development Manager for Richelieu Hardware, he brings nearly 50 years of experience, including former leadership roles at Grass America and LeBlanc Global Sourcing.
LeBlanc was pivotal in spearheading the cabinetmaking program that will debut this fall at Susquehanna Valley Technical Institute in Pennsylvania, He is actively working on a new one at the Davidson-Davie Community College in North Carolina.
“As a CTE graduate, I know the value of a trade education and am working to expand cabinetmaking classes at high schools and community colleges and to connect the industry to youth through support of organizations like SkillsUSA and the National Woods Board,” LeBlanc said. “In four short years, more than 20 percent of the population will be retired. The Baby Boomer cabinetmakers will be gone. Who replaces them? The shortage of cabinetmakers can be addressed in one school district at a time but not without the engagement of local woodworkers and their suppliers.”
“The National Woods Board is blessed to have industry stalwarts like Steve and Gary,” said John LeTorneau, NWB Chairman. “Their expertise and deep commitment to the future of the woodworking industry will accelerate our momentum as we establish the NWB curriculum as the gold standard for woodworking education in America.”
About the National Woods Board
The National Woods Board (NWB) is a non-profit organization focused on solving the woodworking industry’s skilled labor shortage by creating a national pipeline of trained workers, bridging the gap between high school education and careers, and replicating the successful models like the MiLL Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The NWB develops standardized, industry-relevant curricula for high schools and colleges, connecting students with career opportunities in advanced wood manufacturing. NWB integrates Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA) skill standards and credentials into its curriculum to ensure students graduate with verifiable, job-ready skills. Learn more about the NWB’s programs and how to get involved with supporting its vital mission at NationalWoodsBoard.org.
