“It’s no secret” – an open and honest DE&I discussion for forestry changemakers

Moderator: Louise Bender, VP of People and Administration, Mosaic

Panellists:

• Wes Fietz General Manager, Operations - South Island, Mosaic Forest Management

• Ian Ross, Log Trader, Mosaic Forest Management

• Chelsey Toth, Area Forester, Mosaic Forest Management

This session explored the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the forest industry, addressing how organizations can keep up with changing trends while ensuring corporate policies resonate with individual employees. The discussion was held between a mixed panel of voices and highlighted organizational successes and lessons learned in advancing DE&I. Panelists provided actionable insights, including effective strategies to influence learning in the DE&I space and the importance of having a DE&I vision or strategy. Mosaic Forest Management, a leader in sustainable forest stewardship with a century of experience in Coastal BC, provided valuable perspectives on fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.

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Louise Bender

Louise Bender has been instrumental in establishing Mosaic’s people programs and leading the development and implementation of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) vision and strategy. A visionary leader, Louise also co-led the development of a national alliance focused on promoting DEI in the forest sector and remains an active member today. Louise holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and a Human Resource Management Certificate from the University of Calgary. She is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and a Certified Myers-Briggs Facilitator.

Wes Fietz

Wes has worked most of his career on the BC Coast in engineering, planning, and production roles. He is responsible for overseeing the engineering, planning, road building, and harvesting for Mosaic’s South Island Operation. Wes has a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from the University of British Columbia and is a Registered Professional Forester.

Ian Ross

Ian is enjoying his 4th decade working in the forest industry. Curious about the lumber he stacked and delivered as a teenager has resulted in a varied and fulfilling career with roles as a growth & yield research technician, tree planter, logger, timber cruiser, engineer & area planner, stump-to-dump logging contractor, dryland sort manager, head of log supply for a cedar sawmilling company, and his current role with Mosaic focusing on domestic log sales and log purchasing.

Chelsey Toth

Chelsey Toth is an Area Forester at Mosaic and a Registered Professional Forester. She holds an MBA from the University of Victoria and completed her undergraduate degree in Natural Resource Conservation Management at the University of British Columbia. As an advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), she actively participates in Forestry Together, an alliance dedicated to advancing EDI in the forest sector.