The Maine Forest Products Council is pleased to announce that Krysta West has assumed the position of Executive Director. Krysta is a familiar face to the membership having served as the Deputy Director under Patrick Strauch since June 2022.
MFPC Board President Ben Carlisle offered support for Krysta’s directorship. “Over the past several years, Krysta has proven herself to be an excellent leader and committed advocate for our membership,” said Carlisle. “Patrick’s leadership set a high standard, and we’re fortunate to have someone able to uphold and advance that vision.”
Krysta’s work as Deputy Director provided her with the depth and breadth of knowledge around Maine’s forests that allowed her to excel as an advocate and to become a trusted voice of the industry in the Maine Legislature.
“After three wonderful years serving as Deputy Director under Patrick Strauch, I look forward to this next chapter. From the stump to our mills, Mainers all around the state are working hard to innovate and transition our industry to meet the needs of society both today and long into the future. I am honored to continue to serve as an advocate for our heritage forest industry in Augusta and beyond.”
Krysta brings with her a wealth of experience as she has worked in and around Maine politics for nearly 15 years. Krysta brings valued experience and relationships to the job. Prior to joining the MFPC, Krysta operated a successful consulting firm specializing in internal, external and legislative communications for political candidates, PACs, nonprofits and membership organizations. She also worked on the campaign to re-elect U.S. Senator Susan Collins, for the Maine Senate, the National Rifle Association and as an original board member for the political arm of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, SAM-ILA.
Krysta is a resident of Readfield where she lives with her husband and young sons.
Ellen Parent joins the Maine Forest Products Council as the Deputy Director as Krysta moves up to the Executive Director position. Ellen comes from the Maine Credit Union League where she served as the Director of Compliance for over six years. Prior to the Maine Credit Union League, Ellen worked for the Maine Senate and the University of Maine. In her role at the Maine Credit Union League, Ellen was active in lobbying efforts as well as providing regulatory and compliance review in-house and to their membership.
A native of Orono, Ellen holds a bachelor’s degree from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont, a Juris Doctor from the University of Maine School of Law, and a Financial Services Compliance Certificate from Boston University’s School of Law.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Maine Forest Products Council. I hope to build off the good work that Patrick and Krysta have done and to provide another strong voice to an enduring industry that defines Maine.”
Ellen is a resident of Augusta and coaches high school speech and debate in her free time.