The Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA) is delighted to announce that Gaynor Pates, former Chair of the Trade Association Forum, has been appointed to the new role of WRA Membership Manager.
Bringing with her a wealth of experience in the trade association sector, Gaynor will be the main contact for all WRA members, manage member recruitment and organise members’ meetings. She will also take on some responsibilities previously handled by WRA Executive Director, Julia Turner, including collating annual statistics and financial management.
Before joining the WRA on April 22, Gaynor worked for the Trade Association Forum (TAF) both as Chair and on the delivery team, enabling best practice sharing and improving services for UK trade association members. In 2024 she received an award for her outstanding contribution.
As Operations Director until 2024, Gaynor spent almost a decade developing the Railway Industry Association’s membership and events. Prior to this she managed sales operations and strategic commercial partnerships in a large global company.
Gaynor’s role builds upon that of former WRA Member Communications Manager Erica Malkin who leaves the WRA to focus on her expanding role with the Stove Industry Association (SIA).
Julia said: “We are delighted to welcome Gaynor to our team. Our members are at the heart of everything we do so having a dedicated Membership Manager with so much experience of working in the trade association sector will help ensure we remain laser-focused on what our members need.”
“A big thank you and farewell to Erica for all her brilliant work for the WRA on behalf of our members.”
Gaynor said: “I am really excited and honoured to join the WRA team. I have worked with trade associations for the last decade and am particularly inspired by associations such as the WRA that are truly committed to sustainability.”
“I look forward to working alongside Julia, the operations team and WRA board to support our members and further advance the WRA’s mission.”