blog-special
Titan of Timber
Posted on September 8, 2026 12:10 PM
In a state known across the nation as a leading producer of peanuts and pecans, it may come as a surprise to learn Georgia is also the nation’s leader in forestry. In fact, 300 million trees are planted in Georgia each year.
Championing the cause of forestry in Georgia is 51-year-old Tim Lowrimore, who has served as the president and CEO of the Georgia Forestry Association and the Georgia Forestry Foundation since October 2024.
“The Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) is a membership organization that has been around since 1907. We are a leading advocate for landowners and forest-based businesses. We focus on immediate needs such as legislation, regulatory action and market issues that impact our community and our membership,” Lowrimore said. “The Georgia Forestry Foundation (GFF) is similar in mission but takes a longer-term view of how to create and promote healthy businesses and healthy forests in our state. It’s a non-profit that’s focused on education and research to create opportunities on the horizon.”
After a lifetime career in forestry, Lowrimore is passionate about the work the organizations are doing in Georgia. However, he admits that when he was growing up in Macon, he really didn’t know much about it.
“I always liked the outdoors, but I didn’t come from a farming community. My mom worked for the school system and my dad worked at a brick factory. When I entered college, I had my mind set on engineering,” he said. “I had a neighbor who was an entomologist and he told me about his career. I interned with him while attending what’s now Middle Georgia State University. That opportunity changed my path and drove me toward working in one of Georgia’s leading industries.”
Lowrimore transferred to the University of Georgia in 1996 to major in forestry. He was the first one on his side of the family to graduate from college and soon went to work with the Georgia Forestry Commission. Early in his career, he also did policy and governmental affairs work for the GFA before pivoting to the private sector at forest industry-related companies including Rayonier, Davis-Garvin Agency and Interfor.
In 2020, he was appointed by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp as the director of the Georgia Forestry Commission.
“That’s where I thought I’d stay for the rest of my career, but this is one of those examples of how we don’t control our own destiny. I was there for four years and then my current job came open, and now I’ve been here for two years,” he said. “It’s interesting to think about how I started my career at the Georgia Forestry Commission and then had the opportunity to go back many years later and lead that organization. I’ve taken that same pathway back to GFA, where I’m now the president and CEO.”
A career that’s been decades in the making, Lowrimore made a long-term investment in forestry, and now he wants Georgians to understand the importance of doing the same. Forestry in Georgia has a $59 billion economic impact.
“I’m passionate about forestry and the resource it is for our state. It’s a critical part of the state’s infrastructure, and my job is to see it continue to be an important part of the fabric of our state going forward,” he said.
Despite its importance, the industry isn’t without its challenges. Lingering damage from Hurricane Helene in 2024, recent mill closures in the traditional pulp and paper sector, and competition from other parts of the world are all having a negative impact. However, the good continues to outweigh the bad.
“Our sawmill industry is well capitalized, and we are well equipped to make lumber in our state. We have an abundant and sustainable resource in trees, of which 22 million acres are privately owned. Those owners are motivated to ensure their forests remain healthy and viable and continue to provide economic and environmental benefits for years to come,” he said.
Also in the plus column is the robust timber market, superb state and local leadership, solid industry infrastructure and a world-class port in Savannah. Lowrimore’s wish list for the next 10 years is to see a forest landowner community that continues to invest in forests. That, in turn, would mean the state continues to have a strong and diverse market for those landowners to sell their timber.
“Timber is a long-term investment. But it is an investment, and with that comes risk. Right now, the risk feels real to people, but we’ve been through this before, and that strong market will come back. That’s where our mind is now with the Association and Foundation. We work to provide opportunities for market growth expansion for existing industries here and so that others want to come here,” he said.
From his office in Forsyth, Lowrimore works to influence policy on state and national levels that will fuel his mission and prepare for a strong future. From interacting with stakeholders to meeting with members, he’s always looking for ways to improve short-term and long-term market conditions in Georgia.
Living in Macon with his wife, Wendi, Lowrimore still enjoys all things outdoors like hunting and golf.
“I’m at a happy place right now. I’m where I believe I need to be and where I want to be. If I can serve a decade here, I’d be honored that I can help our industry transition to where we will go over the next decade,” he said.
As he looks forward, he can’t help but also look back at the progress the industry has made in how it is viewed by consumers and society.
“It’s cool to see so many different stakeholders look at forestry differently than before. They see it as part of a solution to hard questions our country asks itself about sustainability, building materials and the types of products we use as consumers. I’m not having the same conversations I had 20 years ago. We’ve educated consumers enough that they realize forests are incredibly valuable resources that can be used for good, and be managed in a way that they can continue to provide environmental and social benefits,” he said. “I see folks looking at forests as potential solutions, and I hope that will give forest landowners and investors hope for what they’re doing on their properties.”
Lowrimore also has hope that his own involvement in forestry will reap rewards down the road. He works daily to ensure the vision of the GFA and GFF ring true.
“This role is aligned with where I’m at in this stage of my career. I’m passionate about the role our sector plays in our state from an environmental and economic standpoint. A decade here would give me the opportunity to help our industry move in the right direction and ensure it remains that way,” he said. “It’s like my own long-term investment.”