Richard Gaumer, CPA, CFE, has been named executive vice president of operations at Manitowoc-based Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
Gaumer will oversee the day-to-day operations of Orion and serve as a member of the management team. He will focus on internal operations productivity and growth scalability, including streamlining numerous processes from quoting activities, order entry, production, inventory management and shipping activities.
Gaumer has served as an independent consultant to Orion since June 2010. Most recently, Gaumer was a tenured professor of accounting and leadership at Lakeland College, based in Sheboygan, WI, where he oversaw technical research in the areas of Sarbanes Oxley compliance and lean accounting best practices.
He has held various financial executive positions including chief financial officer at Strategic Data Systems, a provider of information technology services, and divisional controller at Illinois Tool Works.
The addition of Gaumer will enable Michael Potts, P.E., Orion’s president, to better focus his efforts on high-level business development activities at Orion. "As I’ve said many times, we believe our people and our partners are our greatest assets," said Orion Chief Executive Officer Neal Verfuerth. "Rick’s extensive prior experience in academia, as an independent consultant, as well as a financial executive position him to streamline several areas of Orion’s daily operations. In addition, he will serve as a valuable resource in assisting and executing on the strategic direction of the Company as we plan for the next phases of Orion’s growth.”
