Courtney with her catch while offshore fishing in Alabama.
Courtney McKee’s Weyerhaeuser career started 21 years ago at our lumber mill in Idabel, Oklahoma. She began in an entry-level position as a lumber grader and has since risen to a strategic supply chain role supporting all our lumber mills as a lumber supply planner.
“I came up from the floor, working as a lumber grader, admin, shipping manager and dry-side superintendent,” she says. “Now I get to use everything I learned to help keep product flowing and support long-term planning across the whole business. It feels like an incredible achievement.”
Today, she oversees production forecasting for all lumber mills, ensuring that projected volumes align with both operational capacity and market demand. Her role requires her to closely monitor trends and collaborate with teams to adjust plans as needed, all while continuing to work from our Idabel mill.
Courtney and local and company leaders present the city of Idabel with a $100,000 check toward tornado disaster relief efforts in 2022.
MEET COURTNEY
What do you do as a lumber supply planner?
I help forecast what we’re going to produce across all 17 of our lumber mills and make sure wood keeps flowing. We use an application to help guide our projections, and I support those efforts while collaborating with other teams to respond to issues and opportunities. I’ve also started supporting Western Lumber in the past year, which has been a phenomenal growth opportunity.
How did you get started at Weyerhaeuser?
I started working full time with the company in 2004. I held various positions throughout the mill before transitioning into leadership roles and later became the dry-side superintendent. In 2024, I took on my current supply chain position.
What do you love most about your job?
All the opportunities for professional development, which has been a key aspect of my experience. I’ve benefited from the guidance of numerous mentors and continually enhanced my skillset. It’s rewarding to work for an organization that prioritizes investment in its employees. After 21 years with the company, I remain committed to ongoing growth.
What’s been your biggest challenge?
One of my biggest challenges has been transitioning from the mill environment to a more strategic role. This shift has required me to adopt a different perspective — focusing on gathering, analyzing and presenting data to support informed decision-making at the leadership level. Because I have hands-on experience in mill operations, I have valuable insight into day-to-day processes. I can use that to connect strategic initiatives with practical, real-world applications that drive continuous improvement.
Courtney and Luiz Oliveira, technical advisor, and one of Courtney’s long-time mentors.
Is there anything about your job that might surprise people?
There are significant opportunities available within the company. If you’re committed to ongoing learning and dedicated effort, Weyerhaeuser provides strong support for professional growth and development. There are so many opportunities for advancement.
When you were a kid, what did you imagine doing when you grew up?
I planned to work in the medical field, but after starting at the mill I discovered my passion for the job and the people, which shifted my goals.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to grow with the company the way you have?
Remain inquisitive. Seek information and clarification when needed. Use available support networks, as there are many people who can assist with your development if you’re open to learning and collaboration.
Shaun Clark, HR business partner at our Dierks, Arkansas, lumber mill, and Courtney at a career fair in Idabel.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
Travel is an important part of my leisure activities, as it allows me to both relax and broaden my perspective. I enjoy spending time on the beach, from coast to coast, taking in the different landscapes and atmospheres each shoreline offers. I frequently go hiking and fishing with my four children here in southeast Oklahoma. I feel very lucky to live here — we have so many beautiful places and unique landscapes to enjoy.
I also actively volunteer with our local schools, the Idabel Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, and the nearby community college. It’s essential to ensure the community is informed about Weyerhaeuser, our identity and the career opportunities we offer. I appreciate Weyerhaeuser's commitment to supporting community engagement.
