UFPI appoints a new director

Universal Forest Products, Inc. has appointed Michael Wooldridge to its board of directors, effective Jan. 28, 2016.

With his election, the board is also expanded to 11 seats.

Wooldridge is a partner with the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based law firm Varnum LLP, where he's been practicing since 1985. He is a partner in the firm’s corporate practice team, focusing on corporate governance, securities, and mergers and acquisitions. He advises publicly traded companies on compliance matters, corporate structure, disclosure requirements and other issues, and has managed and led a variety of public equity and debt offerings for financial services and manufacturing companies.

He has also been providing UFPI with his legal expertise for some time.

“For years, Mike has provided us with invaluable legal and strategic counsel that has contributed to our success,” said UFPI chairman William Currie. “Having him on our board enhances his ability to influence the direction and success of the companies of Universal. We are fortunate and pleased to add Mike to our board, and we know that the company will be well-served by Mike and the experience and knowledge he brings.”

Wooldridge will serve until the April 20, 2016, UFPI shareholder meeting, at which time shareholders will be asked to approve his appointment to a one-year term expiring in April 2017.

Wooldridge has been acknowledged among The Best Lawyers in America since 2005.

He also currently serves on the board of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, as well as on the Dean’s Advisory Board of the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University.