HARRISBURG--Keystone Wood Products Association (KWPA) a non-profit organization that strives to strengthen the wood products industry via education, workforce development and promotion, has named Stephanie Phillips-Taggart as the organization’s Executive Director.
In this new role she is responsible for day-to-day operations while overseeing and implementing all strategies aimed at achieving the organization’s mission.
“We are excited to announce that Stephanie has accepted this promotion. She has been with our organization since 2018 and has proven to be an asset to KWPA and the industry,” says Nicholas Bisaccia, KWPA chairman of the board.
In her previous KWPA marketing capacity, Phillips-Taggart organized special events, developed KWPA promotional campaigns, created educational displays, served as a member liaison, and was appointed to serve as a member of the PA Department of Agricultures’ Hardwoods Development Council (HDC).
“Stephanie’s skillset has been beneficial to many projects,” says Bisaccia. “With a background in public relations writing, she has written, applied for and been awarded several grants that impact KWPA and its partners.”
As one of the State’s three hardwood utilization groups (HUGS), KWPA works together with fellow HUGS, the HDC, and various industry partners on joint projects that elevate Pennsylvania’s wood products industry. Most recent efforts include a statewide social media campaign that focuses on the environmental, home health and economic benefits of Pennsylvania hardwoods.
On a national level, Phillips-Taggart serves on the promotion committee for the Real American Hardwood™ Coalition, which is a voluntary, industry-wide, domestic initiative that seeks to promote Real American Hardwood™ products by educating consumers, increasing market and sales, improving industry stability and developing new products.
During her tenure at KWPA, Phillips-Taggart has also used her background in product development. As former president for Upper Desk Inc., a start-up company that was awarded contracts with Sam’s Club and Walmart, Stephanie understands efforts such as product placement, end cap displays, logistics and supply chain management.
“From marketing to membership, I have enjoyed my position at KWPA. From day one, I have been impressed with the vision of the KWPA board, which is comprised of an incredible group of industry volunteers,” says Phillips-Taggart. “I am both honored and humbled to serve as the organization’s Executive Director.”
Phillips-Taggart is a nationally published writer with a BA in Mass Communications from Bloomsburg University. In 2016 she was named on of the Top 50 Women Making a Difference by PA Business Central. She also serves as an advisory board member at UPMC Susquehanna’s Heartworks Family Bereavement Program. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, hunting, and spending time with her family.