2013 IBBC
 
2013 IBBC Keynote Presentation

"NARA:  Public Private Partnerships to Advance the Forest Products Industry"

Linda A. Beltz, Ph.D., NPDP
Director, Technology Partnerships
Weyerhaeuser

The Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA) consortium was launched to develop a new, viable, aviation fuel industry based on using harvest residuals.  In 2011, Weyerhaeuser announced their engagement with NARA as a subcontractor to support investigations into feedstock development, including sustainable production, cost-effective use of under-utilized harvest material, and conversion of lignin into value-added products.  Weyerhaeuser also contributes to NARA in team leadership and development of Phase and Gate processes.  NARA is an example of a strong collaboration between public and private institutions driving toward an aggressive goal to provide renewable jet fuel and co-products from forest-based feedstocks. 

Linda has been with Weyerhaeuser over 12 years.  Prior to her current role, she led the transition for Weyerhaeuser’s biofuel JV with Chevron, Catchlight Energy, and held technical and market development leadership positions in the businesses.  Before joining Weyerhaeuser, Linda worked with Mead and International Paper in technical leadership, capital project, manufacturing and scientist roles.

Linda holds a Ph.D. and a B.S from the University of Washington in Pulp and Paper Engineering.  She has also completed the Executive Business Program at Louisiana State University and is in the Executive Scholars Program at Kellogg School of Management.  Linda is also a Certified New Product Development Professional through the Product Development and Management Association.