Brian Brashaw

Assistant Director
USDA Forest Service

Brian Brashaw is the Assistant Director for the USDA Forest Service, National Forest System Wood Innovations Program. The Wood Innovations Program supports the development of wood products and wood energy markets to reduce wildfire risk and enhance long-term, sustainable management of America’s forests. Wood Innovations has helped the entire mass timber sector grow and expand through 250+ federal grant investments in manufacturing and buildings, education and building project assistance, special communication initiatives, and technical assistance. Wood Innovations focuses on building markets for wood products and strengthening industry, working collaboratively and strategically to support sustainable forest management and economic development.

For over 35 years, Brian has focused on supporting the connection between forestry and forest products, helping support and advance wood products through research, market development and outreach. Brian earned a BS degree in Forestry from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, a MS degree in Wood Materials Engineering from Washington State University, and a PhD in Forest Resources from Mississippi State University.