ATLANTA, May 2, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG) announced today that its Chief Financial Officer, Don T. Scartz, is retiring after a distinguished 30-year career. Succeeding Scartz as CFO will be Gary Shell, currently EMS's vice president - finance and a 25-year veteran of EMS, who will now hold the title of senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer.
"Don Scartz has been a key member of the EMS senior leadership team for three decades," said Paul Domorski, EMS's president and chief executive officer. "He helped transform a small start-up based in Technology Park / Atlanta into a worldwide satellite and wireless communications leader. Don has set a high standard of excellence for the CFO position, with his acute financial skill, sound business judgment and rock-solid ethics.
"To find a successor who could continue to make similar contributions to EMS," continued Domorski, "we conducted a comprehensive search, assisted by one of the country's leading executive search firms. After screening many candidates, we recognized that Gary Shell had the best skills and experience for EMS. I look forward to Gary stepping up to an even more significant role within the Company, and I am pleased that Don has agreed to remain available to EMS as a senior advisor. In this position, Don will provide assistance to the Chairman, CEO and CFO with respect to EMS's financial affairs, including commercial and investment banking relationships and strategic financial initiatives."
In his career, Scartz has helped EMS grow from less than $4 million in revenues in 1978 to more than $300 million expected for 2008. He has overseen the Company's financial affairs, including strategic acquisitions and investor relations, as well as arranging for capital to fund expansions and new technology initiatives. At the time of his retirement, EMS had achieved the strongest financial position in its 40-year history. Scartz stated, "It has been a privilege to be a part of the EMS growth story, and in particular, to be associated with so many fine people at EMS. Having worked closely with Gary for many years, I have full confidence in his ability to add value to the organization and serve as a fine steward of the Company's finances."
As vice president - finance and chief accounting officer, Shell has had principal responsibility for the Company's accounting policies, financial reporting and tax compliance. He has also had a major role in all of the Company's strategic activities of the past 25 years, including acquisitions, dispositions, equity offerings and negotiation of bank-financing arrangements. Shell began his career as an auditor with KPMG in Atlanta, and he is a CPA. He holds Master of Accountancy and Bachelor of Business Administration degrees from the University of Georgia.
"It is an exciting time to be at EMS, with so many opportunities ahead for the Company in our satellite and wireless communications markets," said Shell. "I look forward to contributing to the EMS tradition of strong execution, sound financial management, and a focus on enhancing long-term shareholder value."
About EMS Technologies, Inc.
EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG) is a wireless and satellite communication solutions leader, serving aeronautical, defense, maritime, commercial space and supply chain markets. Through its LXE, EMS SATCOM, and Defense & Space Systems divisions, EMS keeps people, systems and data connected, wherever they are -- on the ground, in the warehouse, in the air, or in space. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, employs approximately 1,000 people worldwide and operates major manufacturing facilities in Atlanta and Ottawa, Canada.
For more information, visit EMS on the World Wide Web at www.ems-t.com.
Editor's Note: Access high-res images of Scartz and Shell from the EMS Online Press Room: http://www.ems-t.com/images/highres/scartz.tif and http://www.ems-t.com/images/highres/shell.jpg.