Mark D. McHugh

President and Chief Executive Officer, Rayonier, Wildlight

Rayonier (NYSE: RYN) is a leading timberland real estate investment trust with about 2.7 million acres located in some of the most productive softwood timber growing regions in the U.S. and New Zealand. Rayonier also engages in real estate development in select areas and provides land-based decarbonization solutions to support the low-carbon economy transition. Rayonier has about 440 employees. McHugh joined Rayonier as CFO in 2014, was appointed president in 2023, and became CEO in April.

EDUCATION: University of Central Florida (BS, BA), Harvard Law School (JD)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: Identify issues that are important to most Floridians and find opportunities for compromise across the political spectrum. Politics are way too polarized today, which invariably frustrates progress on important issues and agendas.

MENTOR: Rayonier’s recently retired CEO, David Nunes, has been an incredible mentor to me over the years. ... Dave always demonstrated the importance of ‘leading by example,’ and he encouraged a culture of teamwork, empowerment, accountability, and transparency.

READING: The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success, by William N. Thorndike Jr.

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: My late father — Michael J. McHugh. He worked as an educator and school administrator for his entire career, including 33 years with the Sarasota County Public Schools. He served in a number of leadership positions, primarily overseeing special education programs in Sarasota County. He dedicated his life to being a champion for special needs and at-risk children, and he instilled in me a strong respect for public service and the importance of giving back to your community.