SWOCC release - COOS BAY, Ore. – When people describe Southwestern Oregon Community College’s 2025 Distinguished Alumnus, they speak of a man defined by exceptional character and integrity. He’s a man who exemplifies a relentless work ethic, starting with his first job working in a sawmill on the Coos Bay waterfront and carrying into a 33-year career marked by leadership and innovation.  Southwestern is proud to honor Brian K. Chaney, a 1992 graduate and current Senior Vice President of Wood Products at Weyerhaeuser, with its highest achievement award. This distinction recognizes not only his professional achievements but also his contributions to the wood products industry and to society.  “Brian Chaney has a great story and is a powerful example of how community colleges launch leaders,” said college President Patty Scott. “He embodies the values we hope all students develop. He’s a leader who drives wise business strategy and operational excellence, while empowering his colleagues to thrive.”  “I am deeply honored to be chosen as the 2025 SWOCC Distinguished Alumnus. During my time at SWOCC, I not only received an exceptional education, I also developed lifelong learning skills that have helped me grow both professionally and personally,” Brian Chaney commented. “When I was a student at SWOCC, I had no idea what I was going to do next, but my experiences there taught me that I could do more than I thought. I’m thankful to the teachers and staff who inspired me to continue my education and achieve excellence in my career — especially because I know they continue this valuable work today, positively impacting the lives of people on the south coast of Oregon and beyond.”  Chaney began his career with Weyerhaeuser in 1991, working at the company’s former Coos Bay Export Lumbermill on the Coos Bay waterfront. Sam Dickey and Tom Bennett, former Weyerhaeuser staff, mentored Chaney in his first years with the company. They recognized great potential. When Dickey moved on to build a new mill in the Willamette Valley, he made sure he hired Chaney. Over the next three decades, Chaney rose steadily through the organization, holding senior-level roles across the Timberlands and Wood Products businesses. These included vice president of Wood Products Sales and Marketing (2019); VP of Engineered Wood Products and Distribution (2020–2022); and VP of Engineered Wood Products and Innovation (2022–2024). In 2024, he was selected to lead Weyerhaeuser’s largest business segment as Senior Vice President of Wood Products.  “From the start, Brian’s problem-solving style was enhanced by how much he listened and respected the ideas and experience of others on any team he was part of,” Bennett said.  Chaney also listened when, as a high school senior, his parents Keedy and Nancy Chaney encouraged him to consider starting college at Southwestern. He took their advice, earned top grades, and launched a path of lifelong learning and leadership.  In addition to his Associate of Liberal Arts and Science degree from Southwestern, Chaney earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oregon State University and completed the Stanford University Executive Program. Brian Chaney will be a featured speaker at Southwestern’s commencement ceremony at noon on June 13. This year’s graduating class includes 412 graduates from 21 states and 13 countries.