MARK CALLENDER NAMED PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF GREAT SOUTHERN WOOD PRESERVING, INCORPORATED

ABBEVILLE, AL, (September 18, 2025) – Jimmy Rane, founder and chairman of the board of Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated, announced today 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 today," Rane said, "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 added, "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."

"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 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. I look forward to continuing to work closely with him and the rest of our team in my new role."

Callender joined Great Southern in 1991 as an inside sales representative at the company's Bushnell, Florida, 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, Alabama, and was named chief operating officer, a role he has held for 18 years.

"Jimmy has always said that it's the people that make Great Southern special," Callender said. "It's not just one person but everyone on our team at every level of the organization internalizing our commitment to delivering quality products and great customer service. We have strong leadership at every location where we serve customers, and we have strong team members supporting those leaders. I am excited to lead our next era of growth."

About Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated

Established in 1970, Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated, and its YellaWood® brand products are headquartered in Abbeville, Alabama. Servicing D-I-Y retail home centers, pro dealers and other retail building-related and industrial segments, the company has 16 treating facilities across the South, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions and is one of the nation's leading producers of pressure treated lumber for residential, farm, commercial and industrial uses. For information about Great Southern, call 334-585-2291 or visit yellawood.com.