The Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) has welcomed a new member to its Advisory Council. Douglas Ziebach of Monroeville, Alabama, brings more than 25 years of forest industry experience to the council, helping to ensure that CFWE undergraduates receive the best education, student experiences and employment opportunities.
A fellow tiger
From an early age, Ziebach had an interest in everything forestry. Growing up with his family’s business, Ziebach & Webb Timber Company, he adhered to the successful practices of his father, Elmo Ziebach, and his business partner, Mike Webb. His passions led him to further his education at Auburn, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in forestry.
“All I wanted to do was be a forester and follow in my father’s footsteps,” said Ziebach. “This led me to Auburn to earn my forestry degree. This is all I have ever wanted to do.”
Hands-on, tangible learning experiences were at the center of Ziebach’s education. He recalls memorable experiences while attending the CFWE’s Summer Practicum and learning from mentors such as CFWE Dean Emeritus Dick Brinker.
“From the first time I met Dr. Brinker at Summer Practicum in forest surveying to every interaction since, I would say he is the epitome of professional, Ziebach said. “He instilled the standard professionally presenting yourself as a forester and that was very impactful.”
Additionally, he says that many of his classmates in the CFWE have been successful as well, and he shares the same camaraderie with them today as he did decades ago.
Ziebach said, “I have been blessed to interact in business with many of my classmates that I met in Summer Practicum at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center.”
This academic experience is one that Ziebach wants to replicate for current and prospective CFWE students.
Preparing the next generation
After earning his degree from what was then the Auburn School of Forestry in 1995, Ziebach continued working in the industry, obtaining decades of experience. Some of his day-to-day responsibilities include managing 17 foresters and timber buyers across Alabama and northwest Florida.
Because Ziebach understands the importance of an Auburn education, he is eager to give back to the institution that prepared him for his successful career.
“I am very honored to be appointed to serve on the Advisory Council of my alma mater, a place that has had a profound impact on my personal and professional life,” Ziebach said. “I look forward to contributing to the ongoing success of the CFWE, and I am committed to supporting initiatives that foster academic excellence, innovation and student development—ensuring that current and future students receive the same transformative education that prepared me for my career.”
Ziebach will begin serving in this role immediately, contributing to the council’s advancement of the CFWE.