Honored for Outstanding Leadership and Contributions to the Engineered Wood Industry
Chris Degnan received the 2026 Bronson J. Lewis Award at the APA Annual Meeting in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Degnan recently retired from the role of Director of Commodities and Home Improvement Warehouse at Weyerhaeuser. Now in its 21st year, the award recognizes individuals for their leadership and outstanding contributions to the engineered wood industry. It honors the late Bronson Lewis, who served as the secretary and executive vice president of APA – The Engineered Wood Association for 24 years.
“Chris is a tireless advocate for APA. Through his work on APA committees, chairing the Engineered Wood Technology Association advisory committee, and serving on the APA Board of Trustees, he left an indelible mark on the association. We thank him for his leadership, candor, and lasting positive influence on APA and the industry. We can’t think of a better way to recognize his contributions than with the 2026 Bronson J. Lewis Award,” said Mark Tibbetts, APA President.
Degnan’s career in the engineered wood industry spanned nearly 40 years and was marked by his dedication, work ethic, and passion for people. He began his career as a district forester with Willamette in Louisiana and eventually moved into the corporate office. When Willamette was purchased by Weyerhaeuser, he relocated to Boise, Idaho, and rose through the ranks of the sales and marketing department.
Degnan was a consistent supporter of the industry and APA, serving on the APA Board of Trustees and the Residential Marketing Subcommittee from 2019 to 2025. He served as the APA Board of Trustees vice chair from October 2023 to July 2025 and the Engineered Wood Technology Association (EWTA) advisory chair from 2021 to 2025.
Weyerhaeuser colleague and fellow APA board member Jon Rashleigh remarked on Degnan’s optimism, energy, and willingness to help others succeed. “Chris set an example by the way he authentically connected with people,” said Rashleigh. “As an active board member, he personally saw the value of investing his time and being a big part of APA’s success.” APA is grateful for his service and the lasting impact he made on the industry, the association, and its members.
About APA – The Engineered Wood Association
APA – The Engineered Wood Association is a nonprofit trade association representing manufacturers of engineered wood products. APA supports product standards, quality assurance, building code acceptance, and industry education to advance safe, durable, and sustainable construction.
