CINCINNATI, March 2, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LSI Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:LYTS) today announced the appointment of Andrew J. Foerster to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, effective March 2, 2015. Mr. Foerster received a Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy; a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering from George Mason University; and an MBA from Marymount University. He is a licensed Professional Engineer. Prior to joining the Company, he served as Residential and Wiring Devices Division Engineering Director at Eaton Corporation. Previous employers include Creative Energy Control LLC, Masco Technical Innovations, Piller Inc., Schneider Electric (Square D Company) and General Electric. Mr. Foerster began his career as a nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy. In conjunction with this hire, James P. Sferra, Executive Vice President - Manufacturing, will step into his consulting role, as planned. He and Mr. Foerster will work closely together in order to ensure a smooth transition.
Mr. Foerster said, "I am very excited by everything that I have seen here at LSI. This company is poised to benefit from the strengthening economy, especially as re-imaging programs continue to come on board. In addition, the lighting and graphics industries are on the cusp of several technological transformations, including the expanded use of lighting controls and digital messaging, from which LSI is well-positioned to benefit. I believe that my 25+ years of electrical industry experience, including expertise in the area of lighting controls management, combined with my understanding of running a business, will allow me to make real contributions to LSI Industries."
Mr. Sferra commented, "I am very pleased that Andrew Foerster has accepted the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. I believe that he is an excellent fit for LSI and will be a strong contributor to the growth and future of this great company. I am looking forward to working with him as I transition into a consulting role and, eventually, retirement."
Dennis W. Wells, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "I want to thank Mr. Sferra for his many years of service to LSI Industries, and to the excellent support and knowledge that he has shared with me since I joined the Company last Fall. Mr. Sferra has been looking forward to transitioning into a consulting role for some time now, and has indicated his eagerness to work with Mr. Foerster during the transition period. With regard to Mr. Foerster, I am very pleased that he has accepted this position. Mr. Foerster is a seasoned executive with a proven track record for leading technical innovation. His strong discipline and teamwork focus, ingrained in him during his time serving in the U.S. Navy, combined with Six Sigma Green Belt training and knowledge in both the technology and manufacturing space, will allow Mr. Foerster to integrate with senior management to make LSI a stronger, leaner and more innovative company. As I have mentioned before, the general business environment and outlook are supportive for LSI's lighting, graphics and technology products. This further strengthening of our executive team will allow LSI to continue to offer our customers new leading edge products and services as we pursue our fundamental strategy of Lighting + Graphics + Technology = Complete Image Solution."
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About the Company
Leadership. Strength. Innovation. These are the key values upon which LSI Industries Inc. was founded in 1976. Today LSI demonstrates these values in our dedication to advancing technology throughout all aspects of our business. From product solutions to production techniques, we are committed to American innovation through technology. The fundamental core strategy of LSI Industries is "Lighting + Graphics + Technology = Complete Image Solution."
We are a vertically integrated manufacturer which combines technology, design and manufacturing to produce efficient, high quality lighting and graphics products. We are dedicated to advancing solid-state LED technology to make affordable, high performance, energy efficient lighting and custom graphic products that provide value to our customers. We offer design support, engineering, installation and project management for custom lighting and graphics rollout programs for the retail environment.
Our major markets include commercial / industrial lighting, petroleum / convenience store and multi-site retail (including automobile dealerships, restaurants and national retail accounts).
For further information, contact Dennis W. Wells, Chief Executive Officer, at (513) 793-3200.
Additional note: Today's news release, along with past releases from LSI Industries, is available on the Company's internet site at www.lsi-industries.com or by email or fax, by calling the Investor Relations Department at (513) 793-3200.