NWFA's John Forbes Has Retired

St. Charles, MO, January 8, 2026-The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) announced that John Forbes, director of manufacturer services, retired from the organization as of December 31, 2025.

Forbes joined NWFA in 2014 to oversee the National Oak Flooring Manufacturers’ Association (NOFMA) certification program, ultimately growing it to include 30 manufacturer participants. He also served as a voice for the wood flooring industry in sustainability conversations, including the Flooring Sustainability Summit.

During his time with NWFA, Forbes deepened manufacturer engagement through inspections, grading schools, technical guidance, and hosting the Wood Flooring Manufacturers Assembly. He launched the NWFA Engineered Refinishable Program, establishing credible performance expectations and expanding market clarity around engineered wood flooring. Additionally, he led the development of industry averaged Life Cycle Assessments and Environmental Product Declarations, as well as NWFA’s collaboration with the Tile Council of North America on life-cycle cost research.

Throughout 2026, Forbes will continue in a part-time role with NWFA, providing continuity and transition support while conducting a select number of mill inspections.