About Xylem Group

Xylem Group was formed in 1999 and began providing wood science consulting and technical support services.  In 2003, Xylem Group expanded its scope by offering association management services to non-profit organizations in the Forest Products sector. It continued to grow and provide technical support event planning services to scientific societies and consensus-based standards development organizations. Xylem Group has returned to its roots with a renewed focus on helping individuals and organizations solve problems related to rotting or otherwise failing wood products. Our passion is service, and we want to help our clients reach their full potential through excellent service and thoughtful expertise.

About our Founder

A native of Los Angeles, California, Colin McCown earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Forest Products, both from Mississippi State University, perhaps making him the world’s only Wood Psychologist.

Beginning his professional career in 1991, he worked in the treated wood utility pole industry for over twelve years with Thomasson Company of Philadelphia, Mississippi, starting out as Director of Research and Development and ultimately serving as Vice President of Technical Services and Legal Affairs. In 2003, Mr. McCown became the Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Wood Protection Association, serving in that role through the end of 2023. He continues to work with the Association part-time as its Technical Director.

Mr. McCown currently serves as Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Sustainable Bioproducts at Mississippi State University, with research and teaching responsibilities in the field of wood deterioration and preservation.

He is a member of the Forest Products Society, the Society of Wood Science and Technology, the International Research Group on Wood Protection, ASTM International, and the American Wood Protection Association.