Faith Technologies Announces Upcoming Leadership Transition
Rollie Stephenson to Become Chairman of the Board as Rick Schinke Retires
Menasha, Wis. (Aug. 15, 2013) – After more than 40 years of dedicated service, Faith Technologies announces that Rollie Stephenson will transition out of his role as CEO of Faith Technologies and into the role of Chairman of the Board, effective Oct. 1, 2013. Along with this transition, Rick Schinke, who currently serves as President of Faith Technologies, has announced his retirement. Schinke will stay on as Director on the board for Faith Technologies.
Stephenson and Schinke launched what is now known as Faith Technologies more than forty years ago in 1972. Under their leadership, the company has grown to more than 1,800 employees operating in 15 locations across the country. Faith Technologies is one of the top 20 largest electrical and technology systems contractors in the U.S., and has received a number of awards for safety and service.
“When we started this great adventure, Rick and I couldn’t have imagined what the future would have in store for this company,” Stephenson said. “We never could have dreamed all of the lessons we have learned, places we’ve been, friendships we’ve built and the relationships we’ve made along this journey. Rick and I are both excited about this next phase, and to see the continued success for Faith Technologies. I can’t express enough gratitude for what Rick has brought to the company over the years. Faith Technologies has accomplished so much because of all its dedicated employees.”
In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Stephenson will be responsible for serving as the head of the company’s Board of Directors, advising the CEO and spearheading the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts. He will also serve as the figurehead on behalf of Faith Technologies in various community activities.
Though he has had many accomplishments during his tenure, Stephenson was most recently named CEO/Executive of the Year by The Post-Crescent, where he was recognized for the launch of the company, his philosophy of empowering employees, the legacy Faith Technologies has within the company’s footprint and its commitment to supporting non-profit organizations.
Jansen to be named CEO as Merbach transitions to President
Along with the leadership transitions of Stephenson and Schinke, Mike Jansen will transition into the role of CEO and Dick Merbach will become President of Faith Technologies. Both Jansen and Merbach are 30-year veterans of Faith Technologies.
“I have complete trust in Mike Jansen as CEO and the new leadership team, and I have no doubts the company will accomplish even more in the next 40 years,” Stephenson said.
As CEO, Jansen will be responsible for providing strategic leadership by working with the Board of Directors and President to establish long-range goals and strategies aligning with future national growth opportunities.
“I’ve had the privilege to work with Rollie and Rick for many years and have learned many valuable skills from them,“ Jansen said. “They have helped lead this company to many successes, and I wish them both the best of luck in this next chapter. These are exciting times for Faith Technologies, and I’m looking forward to being a part of the company’s continued success.”
Faith Technologies recently celebrated 40 years of service, and is currently operating nationally with locations in Georgia, Kansas Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.