Brantley native Kevin Kennedy received recognition for his work in the timber industry recently, when Lurleen B. Wallace (LBW) Community College named him as its 2023 Outstanding Alumnus and recognized him at the school’s commencement ceremony in Andalusia on Friday.

Kennedy is a second-generation logger and business owner. He graduated from Brantley High School in 1992 and earned a bachelor’s degree in forestry from LBW in 1995.

During high school, Kennedy developed a passion for the timber industry, a passion he explored while working for his father. After graduating from LBW, he was employed by Kennedy Logging.

In 2001, Kennedy established a land/timber procurement company, Kennedy Forest Products. Now, he is owner and president of Kennedy Logging, Kennedy Forest Products, Partners’ 5 Trucking Company, and RBKK Leasing, all located in Brantley.

“Mr. Kennedy’s companies’ economic impact in our service area is astounding, accounting for over 60 jobs directly and countless others indirectly,” said LBW President Dr. Brock Kelley in a release to The Luverne Journal.

Kennedy’s passion for timber is not limited to his own companies, but reaches beyond Brantley as he partners with other professionals to ensure Alabama’s timber industry continues to thrive. He serves on statewide boards including the Alabama Forestry Association; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama; the Choctawhatchee, Pea, and Yellow Rivers Water Management Authority; Swamp Fox Insurance; and Forest PAC. 

Kennedy is a board member of the First National Bank of Dozier and has served as vice chairman and trustee for the Alabama Forest Fund Workman’s Compensation plan for more than 14 years.

Kennedy and his wife, Tracy, reside with their two children, Natalie and Jack in Brantley, where they attend Brantley United Methodist Church. Recently, Kennedy addressed senators and legislators in Washington D.C., voicing the needs of Alabama foresters.

“We are pleased to recognize Kevin Kennedy as the 2023 Outstanding Alumnus for the College for his work in the field of Forestry,” Kelley said.  “The forest industry is such a vital part of South Alabama’s economy, and it’s because of alumni like Kevin that our college and forestry program continue to grow.”

Along with its Academic Transfer Ceremony, LBW held a Career Technical Ceremony Friday at the Kiwanis Community Center in Andalusia.