SDS Lumber Company Hires a Forest Industry Veteran to Lead its Operations

SDS Lumber Company (“SDS”) has hired Jeff Webber, a seasoned industry veteran, to take the helm as the company’s next president and set a new course for the future.

“We are excited about the future of SDS under the leadership of Jeff Webber,” said Sandy McDade, SDS board chair. “Jeff brings decades of experience in the forest products industry. That knowledge will be instrumental as we position SDS for its future.”

Earlier this fall, the SDS board announced a transition process and the intent to evaluate a sale of the business. Current SDS president Jason Spadaro, who has been with the company for 30 years, will continue to serve on the board of directors and act as a consultant facilitating the transition and providing assistance as the Board evaluates sale options.

Webber has had an impressive career in the forest products industry. From 2013 to 2018, he served as executive vice president and chief operating officer for EACOM Timber Corporation based in Montreal, Quebec where he oversaw eight primary and secondary manufacturing plants. Prior to that, Webber served as vice president, manufacturing for Stimson Lumber Company in Portland for 13 years after working as a regional and plant manager for the company across the northwest from 1993 to 2000. He also held the roles of superintendent, supervisor and trainer for Champion International Corporation from 1980 to 1993.

Webber earned a B.S. in wood science and technology from Colorado State University and completed the Wharton Business School’s Leadership Development Program. Webber will officially join SDS on December 7, 2020.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to take on this role for SDS, one of the most respected names in the timber industry in the northwest,” Webber said. “I’m looking forward to working with the entire SDS team to help position the company in this unique moment in its history.”

Jason Spadaro, the outgoing president, joined SDS more than 30 years ago, working under the leadership of co-founders Wally and Bruce M. Stevenson. Under his leadership as president for the last 23 years, the company has more than doubled its timberland portfolio, negotiated a landscape conservation agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, expanded its milling and related businesses and led the company through a major economic recession while keeping SDS among the leaders of the industry. Jason also recently served as the president of the Washington Forest Protection Association.

“I have had a fantastic 30-year career at SDS, and I’m thankful for the incredible people and team and our community and business partners,” Spadaro said. “It’s an exciting time for the company. I’m proud of the role I’ve played in getting us here and look forward to supporting the transition and continuing the SDS legacy.”

“Jason has been an integral part of SDS Lumber Company’s success over the past three decades,” McDade said. “He has made many outstanding contributions to strengthen and grow SDS Lumber Company’s business, and we thank Jason for his many years of service to SDS. His continued involvement will help ensure a successful transition for the company, employees and the community.”

About SDS Lumber Company

Founded in Bingen, Washington, in 1946, SDS Lumber Company is committed to excellence, its employees and its community. Working in partnership with Stevenson Land Company, the SDS Companies own approximately 100,000 acres of forestland, employing about 350 people and manufacturing high-quality lumber, plywood, power and chips for a variety of markets. www.sdslumber.com.

Contact:

Liz Fuller – Media Contact – lfuller@gardcommunications.com – (503) 481-8508

Source: S.D.S. Lumber Co.