Jake Gibbs, a forester with more than 20 years of experience, has been chosen as the next president and CEO of Starker Forests, the venerable family timber company based in Corvallis, Ore.

Gibbs began work May 22 and will take over as president and CEO on July 15, when the company’s board of directors meets. Gibbs comes to Starker from another family business, Lone Rock Timber Management in Roseburg, Ore., which was involved in a controversial proposal to purchase the Elliott State Forest.

Gibbs began as a tree planter, gained silviculture and logging experience and in 2016 was listed as Lone Rock’s external affairs director.

In a message to Starker employees, Gibbs said he is “excited and humbled” to be selected to lead the company. “I’m not an OSU grad, but don’t hold that against me,” he said. Starker Forests is heavily involved in community affairs and is a major supporter of Oregon State University’s forestry program, including the annual Starker Lecture series.

Gibbs replaces Bond Starker, who announced his retirement pending the selection of a replacement. The company was founded by his grandfather, T.J. Starker, who taught forestry at OSU and purchased timberland in the area.