Jun 02, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. Pope & Talbot, Inc. said that chief financial officer Richard K. Atkinson has resigned, effective June 16, 2006, to accept the position of senior vice president and chief financial officer of a privately held bio-energy company. "Rich has helped Pope & Talbot during some challenging times," said Michael Flannery, chairman and chief executive officer. "We appreciate his hard work and dedication and wish him well in his new endeavor." Maria M. Pope will resume the duties of chief financial officer and secretary effective June 16, 2006. Ms. Pope, 41, will continue to serve in her current role as vice president and general manager, wood products division, a position she has held since December 2003. Previously, she served as vice president, chief financial officer and secretary from 1999 to 2003, and held various financial positions since joining the company in 1995. Ms. Pope previously worked for Levi Strauss & Co. and Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. Pope & Talbot is dedicated to the pulp and wood products businesses. The company is based in Portland, Oregon and traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Pope & Talbot was founded in 1849 and produces pulp and softwood lumber in the U.S. and Canada. Markets for the company's products include the U.S.; Europe; Canada; South America; Japan; and other Pacific Rim countries.