New President & CEO Appointed At Great Southern Wood Preserving 

Jimmy Rane, founder and chairman of the board of Great Southern Wood Preserving, Inc., has announced that Mark Callender, a 34-year veteran of the company, will be elevated to president and chief executive officer effective October 1, 2025, taking over daily leadership of the company. Rane will maintain his role as the company’s chairman of the board.

“Our leadership team has known for some time that Mark would be our next president and CEO, and I’m excited to formally make that announcement,” Rane says, “Mark’s taking on the day-to-day duties of president and CEO will give me more time to focus on several initiatives that are important to our board of directors and our long-term growth.” Rane adds, “Mark is highly respected both in the industry and within our organization and is uniquely qualified to lead the next phase of our strategic growth plan.”

Callender joined Great Southern in 1991 as an inside sales representative at the company’s Bushnell, Fla., location. He steadily rose through the ranks, serving as sales manager, then as general manager of that facility. In 2007, he was tapped for an executive leadership role at the Great Southern headquarters in Abbeville, Ala., and was named chief operating officer, a role he has held for 18 years.

“Clearly, there’s no replacing Jimmy and what he has accomplished at Great Southern,” Callender says. “As his successor, I am committed to building on the foundation of excellence that Jimmy has established over the past 56 years. Whether it’s in the way we care for our teammates or the unwavering support we provide our customers, Jimmy has always led by example, and that will remain unchanged. Jimmy is not only a legend in this industry, he is a great friend and mentor.”