Rayonier Inc. announced that Douglas Long, Director, Atlantic Region, U.S. Forest Resources, has been appointed to the newly created position of Vice President, U.S. Operations, effective immediately. In his role overseeing Rayonier's U.S. Forest Resources operations, Long succeeds Lynn Wilson, Executive Vice President, Forest Resources, who has stepped down to pursue other opportunities.

In his new position, Long will oversee the Company's Forest Resources operations across all regions in the U.S., reporting to David Nunes, Rayonier President and Chief Executive Officer. In connection with this management transition, Rayonier's New Zealand operations and timberland acquisitions group will report to Nunes on an interim basis.

"Over his 19 years at Rayonier, Doug has proven to be a dedicated leader and true steward of our company's core values, and I would like to welcome him to this new role," said Nunes. "Doug's promotion exemplifies the depth of talent within Rayonier. We look forward to his input as we work to ensure sustainable management of our timberland portfolio. I am confident that Doug will seamlessly transition into his new role and effectively help lead our company forward."

"I want to thank Lynn for her contributions to Rayonier over the past four years and her agreement to provide transition assistance for the next two months. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors."

Long joined Rayonier in 1995 as a GIS Forestry Analyst, and has held multiple positions of increasing responsibility within the forestry division. From 2003-2007, Long worked as a Forest Services Manager and a Regional Manager in our New Zealand operations. In 2007, he returned to the U.S., where he served as Southwest Resource Unit Leader in Lufkin, TX. In March 2014, Long was promoted to Director, Atlantic Region, U.S. Forest Resources, responsible for all land management, resource development and timber marketing operations within the region. Long holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Forest Resources and Conservation from the University of Florida.