Tim Clark, left, and Derrick Manson (Provided photo)

JAY — The Ward Lumber Worker Cooperative has announced a significant leadership transition as Derrick Manson, the inaugural board president, passes the baton of responsibility to Tim Clark.

Manson helped make Ward Lumber a pioneer as the first employee-owned cooperative in its industry. Starting with a steering committee, he led the fledgling cooperative through the purchase of the company and then served as president for two years.

“His calm, collaborative and good-natured leadership made him an obvious choice to chair the newly formed board of directors after the buyout,” said Rob Brown of the Cooperative Development Institute.

Jay Ward, the former fourth-generation owner and current CEO, said Manson “provided stability, steadiness and a whole lot of work while forming the co-op.”

Debby Straight, board member and chief financial officer, said, “Through the transition, Derrick was the main contact for our attorney and Empire State Development, who awarded us grant money for the transition to a worker-owned cooperative. Derrick continued his dedication to the cause in his leadership role as president of the Board of Directors.”

Manson said, “I learned a great deal from my time leading the steering committee, through the purchase of the company, and then my two years as president.”

Clark, the newly elected board president, has spent four years at Ward Lumber and has exercised leadership skills as a member of the Upper Jay Volunteer Fire Department board and current president of the Mount Fay Fish and Game Club.

“The opportunity to lead Ward Lumber Worker Cooperative as the president is an honor, and I am excited to work alongside our dedicated board members and employee owners,” Clark said. “We have an incredible team in place, and together, we will continue to build on the legacy that Derrick has created.”

Clark said he aims to nurture a culture of collaboration and empowerment, ensuring that every worker-owner’s voice is heard. He said he is committed to upholding the cooperative’s values, promoting sustainability and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone’s contributions are valued.