Mar 24, 2005. /Lesprom Network/. Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE:WY) announced that Richard C. Wininger, 52, has been named vice president, Western Timberlands effective April 4. He succeeds Thomas F. Gideon, 53, who was recently named senior vice president, Weyerhaeuser Timberlands. In his new role, Wininger will report directly to Gideon, and be a member of the company's North American Timberlands management team. Wininger will be responsible for the management of Weyerhaeuser's western U.S. timberlands operations. This includes 2.2 million acres of company-owned, certified commercial forestland in the Pacific Northwest. "Rich's experience in all aspects of timberlands operations and management is highly valued," said Gideon. "Our focus on sustainable forestry is key at Weyerhaeuser and Rich's background, combined with his experience in finance and forest engineering, positions him to be effective in this important position at Weyerhaeuser." Wininger joined Weyerhaeuser in 1986 as a business analyst in the company's corporate investment evaluation department. After managing special projects and planning within the timberlands and wood products organizations, in 1996 he moved into the Western Timberlands organization. Wininger managed the Springfield Timberlands operation, later assumed the role of director of operations and, in 2003, was named director of marketing for Western Timberlands. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University and a Master of Business Administration from Dartmouth College.