Ronald S. Stowell.

• Author: Heffes, Ellen M.
• Position: Balance Sheet - CFO of LSI Industries Inc. - Brief Article

Ron Stowell has risen in the financial ranks to the top spot at Cincinnati, Ohio-based LSI Industries Inc. When starting with LSI in 1992, he and his family changed their lives considerably -- by moving clear across the state from their Cleveland-area hometown. He says it was a challenging, yet good experience for him and the family. Indeed, he strongly believes in a healthy variety of life experiences to drive both professional and personal growth.

Title: Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer.

Company: LSI Industries Inc. Traded on the Nasdaq National Market (LYTS), LSI is an integrated design, manufacturing and imaging company supplying high-quality lighting fixtures and graphic elements for both exterior and interior applications, primarily in North America. It serves the petroleum/convenience market, multi-site retail (restaurants, automobile dealerships and national retail) and commercial/industrial lighting. LSI employs approximately 1,600 people in 14 facilities in 11 states.

Born: Ashtabula, Ohio, Aug. 9, 1950

Spouse: Fran (25th anniversary Nov. 20, 2001)

Children: Stephanie Wilson, 23; Mary Stowell, 20; Christina Stowell, 17.

Grandchildren: Adam Wilson, 4; Grace Wilson, 2.

Education Summary: United States Naval Academy, 1968--72; Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Toledo, 1975; CPA, Ohio, 1978; Executive MBA Program, Case Western Reserve University, 1983.

Career Summary: 1975-78, Senior Accountant, Arthur Andersen, Small Business or Enterprise Department (reviews, audits and tax preparation for small and closely held businesses); 1978-79, Senior Financial Analyst, Corporate Staff, Parker Hannifin Corp.; 1979-82, Division Controller, Cleveland Wheel & Brake Division of Parker Hannifin Corp.; 1982-83, Controller, Tyler Elevator; 1983-85, Assistant Controller General Accounting, Carlon Inc., manufacturer of plastic electrical conduits, sewer pipe and utility conduits; 1985-92, Corporate Controller, Essef Corp., maker of engineered composite and fiberglass pressurized vessels for the potable water and swimming pool markets; 1992-present, LSI Industries Inc.

Highlights: 1996 successful secondary public offering, seven acquisitions, and in nine years grew sales revenue from $72 million to $260 million.

FEI Chapter: Cincinnati Chapter, 1992 to present. Active in chapter leadership for six years (Committee Chair, Treasurer...