The Pallet Foundation has long been a driving force in advancing the wooden pallet industry, funding research, education, and sustainability initiatives that ensure the industry’s growth and success. This year, the Foundation trustees welcome a new Chair, Kathleen Dietrich of Commercial Pallet & Lumber, whose passion and dedication to the industry are both inspiring and impactful. Under her leadership, the Foundation is poised for great achievements.

Kathleen’s journey in the pallet industry began when she was just 19 years old. Looking for a way to pay for college, she responded to a job posting in Merchant Magazine for a receptionist position at Commercial Lumber Company. At the time, the company had just launched its pallet division, and Kathleen quickly immersed herself in the business, leveraging her knowledge of board footage calculations to secure the role. What started as a job to cover tuition soon turned into a lifelong career.

“I was hooked,” Kathleen recalls. “Landing a job on the ground floor and watching the growth was incredible. The people in this industry are what kept me engaged. I was fortunate to work alongside a strong team and had a father who always told me I could do anything I set my mind to. As the company expanded from nine employees to over 75 in my first year, I embraced every opportunity to contribute to our success.”

That drive and enthusiasm have defined Kathleen’s career. Over the years, she has taken a deep interest in technology and legislative developments, ensuring that the pallet industry remains at the forefront of innovation and policy discussions. She is also passionate about succession planning, mentoring young professionals, and creating opportunities for the next generation of industry leaders. 

Kathleen’s commitment to the industry extends beyond her company. As the new Chair of the Pallet Foundation, she is focused on supporting projects that enhance the industry’s sustainability and credibility. She is particularly excited about the Foundation’s Nature’s Packaging initiative, the USDA BioPreferred® certification, and the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) surveys. “These initiatives provide crucial data that demonstrate the environmental benefits of wood packaging. I love sharing this information with our customers and employees. It validates what we’ve always known: wood isn’t just good; it’s the most sustainable choice!” she says. 

Her leadership comes at a time of significant momentum for the Foundation. During the NWPCA Annual Leadership Conference in Napa, California, on March 27, 2025, the Pallet Foundation raised an impressive $238,000—funds that will support critical research and industry advancement. Kathleen’s enthusiasm and vision will ensure these contributions translate into meaningful impact for the entire wood transport packaging sector. 

Looking ahead, the Pallet Foundation is driving key initiatives to further validate the industry’s sustainability leadership. The upcoming Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Product Declaration surveys will reinforce the fact that the wooden pallet industry maintains the highest recycling rate of any packaging material. 

Additionally, a $1 million grant awarded through the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Regional Agricultural Product Promotion (RAPP) program to the Softwood Export Council (SEC) and its member, the NWPCA, marks a significant step in promoting the sustainable use of US softwood products in wood transport packaging and related industries in Latin America regions (outside of Mexico). 

These projects will generate critical data that strengthen the industry’s credibility and drive continued innovation. Kathleen encourages industry members to stay engaged, support these efforts, and champion the powerful sustainability story of wooden pallets. 

Kathleen’s story is one of dedication, growth, and leadership. Her commitment to the Pallet Foundation runs deep. Over the years, Kathleen and Commercial Lumber & Pallet have been recognized as a Legacy Member, contributing over $100,000 to support the Foundation’s mission. Her company is one of five Legacy Members: Commercial Lumber & Pallet, JFR Holdings, the MacCauley Family (John Rock, Inc.), Pallet Service Corporation, and Pasadena Skid & Pallet.

Her journey from an eager young employee to a respected industry leader is a testament to the opportunities within the wooden pallet industry.
As she takes the helm of the Pallet Foundation, her passion and energy will undoubtedly propel the industry forward, ensuring a strong and sustainable future for generations to come.