James W. Rane is chairman, president, and CEO of Great Southern Wood Preserving, Inc., the leading producer of pressure treated lumber in the United States. Rane has been a member of the Auburn University Board of Trustees since 1999. Following the change in the Alabama Constitution that shortened board terms from twelve to seven years, Rane was confirmed by the Alabama Senate for his first seven-year term on March 22, 2012. His first seven-year term expired on March 21, 2021, and he was reappointed to a second seven-year term on March 22, 2023. His second term will expire on March 21, 2030.

Rane, from southeast Alabama, graduated from Marion Military Institute before earning his bachelor of science in business administration at Auburn University. He received a doctor of jurisprudence from the Cumberland School of Law of Samford University. He has also successfully completed the Owner/President Management Program, the Sustainable Marketing Leadership Program, and the Families in Business: From Generation to Generation Program at the Harvard Business School.

Rane is actively involved in many civic and educational organizations. Additionally, he is president of the Jimmy Rane Foundation and actively works to raise money to fund college scholarships for deserving students.

Rane resides in Abbeville, Ala.