ABBEVILLE, Ala. (WDHN) -- Great Southern Wood Preserving broke major news on September 18, 2025, that president and CEO Jimmy Rane will be stepping down and handing the torch to a much-deserved successor.

Mark Callender, a 34-year veteran of Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated, will be promoted to president and chief executive officer, taking effect October 1, 2025, taking over day-to-day management of the business, according to a statement released by Jimmy Rane, founder and chairman of the board.

“Clearly, there’s no replacing Jimmy and what he has accomplished at Great Southern,” Mark Callender said. “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

See Full Page