COEUR d’ALENE — Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho has hired Clete Edmunson as its new executive director.

Born into a logging family, Edmunson worked as a logger in southwest Idaho before teaching in the Council area and later working in school administration. He served three terms in Idaho’s House of Representatives starting in 2002 and then worked three years as an advisor to then Gov. Butch Otter on matters concerning education and transportation.

Edmunson replaces Shawn Keough, who is retiring after 24 years as executive director. Keough will work alongside Edmunson through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.

“Clete’s background as an educator will help ALC-Idaho with its efforts to expand career and technical education courses to train the next generation of Idaho’s loggers and log haulers,” Keough said. “His political experience will help ALC-Idaho and its members stay at the forefront of state and federal issues that impact our logging and trucking businesses.”

As executive director, Edmunson will work to represent the interests of ALC-Idaho’s 500-plus logging and wood hauling member businesses.

The 58-year-old Coeur d’Alene resident holds two bachelor’s degrees from Idaho State University, a master’s degree in history from Boise State University, and two master’s degrees in education from University of Idaho. Prior to joining ALC-Idaho, Edmunson most recently spent 10 years as a high school principal and district superintendent in Idaho.

“It’s exciting to return to my logging roots,” Edmunson said. “Idaho’s forest products industry is one of the strongest in the nation and I’m committed to ensuring its vitality and advocating for the loggers and haulers who make sure the people of Idaho and this nation have access to the forest products they rely on every day.”

• • •

Taryn Post is president of Dexter Peak Communications.