Steve Swanson Is Timber Processing’s 2026 Person of the Year
Longtime Northwest forest products executive Steve Swanson, CEO of Swanson Group based in Roseburg, Ore., was named Timber Processing magazine’s 2026 Person of the Year in its February 2026 issue. Swanson is the 38th winner of the prestigious national award, which debuted in 1989 to honor innovation and success in the North American lumber industry and also involvement outside the mill in support of the industry and state and local communities.
Swanson’s commitment to Oregon’s rural economy and his involvement with the lumber industry’s fair trade efforts are big reasons why he was chosen for the honor: Swanson Group operates a sawmill at Roseburg, plywood plants at Glendale and Springfield and a pellet mill in Oakland, Ore. that employ more than 1,200. Swanson has also served as Chairman of the U.S. Lumber Coalition from 2000-2012 and just started another term this year. He has led his family-owned company since 2001 before naming son Chris Swanson as President in 2025, and remains CEO.
Swanson will accept the Timber Processing 2026 Person of the Year award during a ceremony at 3 p.m. on September 23 during the Timber Processing & Energy Expo held September 23-25 at the Portland Expo Center, Portland, Ore.
Latest News
Housing Starts Increase In April
Housing starts across the U.S. increased in April 2.2% to 1.4 million according the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, New Residential Construction report released May 17. Notably, this is 22.3% lower than April 2022’s 1.8 million. Single-family home construction increased 1.6% to its highest level so far in 2023. Starts of apartment…
Timber Processing Combs The Ligna Fair Aisles
The Timber Processing magazine team reports an active first half of the week for sawmill machinery exhibitors at the week-long Ligna international wood processing fair held in Hannover, Germany. Bandmills were not in short supply, including this EWD bandmill system in the middle of Sawmill Hall. Timber Processing magazines were practically flying off the shelf at the Timber Processing…
Conifex Announces McLellan As President, COO
Conifex Timber Inc. has announced that Andrew McLellan has been promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer. As President, McLellan will lead Conifex’s business units and pursue value-added opportunities in fiber procurement, lumber manufacturing and marketing, green power generation, and other complementary businesses. Andrew retains responsibility for forest…
Binderholz Celebrates Enfield Sawmill Opening
Binderholz Enfield LLC held a grand-opening in April to commemorate the official opening of its lumber production facility near Enfield in Halifax County, NC. Company, local community, and elected officials participated in the event alongside Binderholz’s corporate leadership from Austria. The Enfield facility will produce southern yellow pine lumber used in residential and…
Find Us On Social
Newsletter
The monthly Timber Processing Industry Newsletter reaches over 4,000 mill owners and supervisors.
Subscribe/Renew
Timber Processing is delivered 10 times per year to subscribers who represent sawmill ownership, management and supervisory personnel and corporate executives. Subscriptions are FREE to qualified individuals.
Advertise
Complete the online form so we can direct you to the appropriate Sales Representative.