THIS FEELS SUDDEN. WHY NOW? IS EVERYTHING OKAY?

Yes. Everything is fine. In fact, it’s more than okay. Dr. Gu has been open about his desire to spend more well-earned time with his growing family in Singapore. He has dedicated decades of his professional career to building FEI into a preferred provider of innovative technology solutions that improve the delivery of health and human services, and he has been working to establish and prepare the executive team (and all of us) for this day for nearly two years. The organization is in a good, stable place with a strong leadership team, and now is as good a time as any for Dr. Gu to transition to a role that will allow us to continue to benefit from his leadership and vision while allowing him to focus more attention on other important aspects of life.

WILL DR. GU REMAIN INVOLVED IN THE BUSINESS? WHAT ABOUT JOHN TOWN?

Of course. Dr. Gu is committed to the ongoing success of this organization. While he is leaving the work of day-to-day operations and management in the capable hands of the new CEO and the rest of the executive team, as Chairman of the FEI Board of Directors, Dr. Gu will provide support and lend his experience and expertise to guiding long-term strategy. John Town has been a trusted partner to Dr. Gu since the very early days of FEI, and he will continue to serve as a board member and advisor to the executive team.

DOES THIS MEAN DR. GU IS RETIRED?

The short answer to that question is no. Much like a parent can never really retire from being a parent, while he may not be as deeply involved on a daily basis, Dr. Gu cares too deeply about this organization and all of us to simply walk away.

HOW WAS THE NEW CEO CHOSEN? WAS THERE AN EXECUTIVE SEARCH?

Dr. Gu selected Craig as the new CEO with the full support and approval of the board and input from members of our leadership team. FEI is a privately held company, and as the primary shareholder, Dr. Gu is able to make hiring decisions he believes are in the best interest of the organization. He has carefully considered and chosen every member of the executive team, and he has taken a diligent and discerning approach in appointing the new CEO. Dr. Gu engaged Craig as a consultant in February. So, you might say he’s been in a very long and thorough interview. In working side-by-side with Craig for several weeks, Dr. Gu found him to be a strong servant leader that embodies our values and will continue our good work.

WHAT IS THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF CRAIG’S NEW POSITION?

Craig officially began his role May 1. He and Dr. Gu will continue to work closely with one another over the next two to three months to transition the CEO responsibilities.

ARE OTHER CHANGES IN THE WORKS AS A DIRECT RESULT OF SELECTING A NEW CEO? WILL THERE BE ANOTHER REORGANIZATION?

As part of his responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer, Craig will work with the board and the executive team to assess strategic direction and efficiencies within the organization. He is not here to “shake things up” or “fix” anything and change simply for the sake of change is never a good use of time or resources. Some change may occur because business conditions often necessitate change, and we have always been nimble and able to adjust and adapt to maintain the health of the organization. That will not change.

As far as reorganization is concerned, as you might expect, the executive team’s reporting relationship will shift from Dr. Gu to Craig. Joao Blomberg and Scott Morrow will now report directly to Craig as well.

HOW DOES THIS CHANGE IMPACT OUR CLIENTS, VENDORS AND PARTNERS?

This shouldn’t – and really doesn’t – affect our client, vendor and partner relationships. The executive and management team members responsible for maintaining and growing these relationships are not dependent on, but rather supported by the CEO, just as they should be. Craig looks forward to being engaged with our clients, vendors and partners, but the new leadership structure will not change the established, effective business model we currently have.

WILL THIS CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP HAVE ANY IMPACT ON OUR CURRENT BENEFITS, ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEWS OR COMPENSATION?

No. We are mid-year in a budget cycle. Benefits and compensation processes, reviews and other related HR processes will continue as planned. The regular planning process for 2024 will kick off later in the year under Craig’s direction. Any changes necessitated by the business climate would be addressed regardless of who is in the role.

WILL OUR CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS MOVE?

No. FEI’s corporate office location will remain in Columbia, Maryland. Craig lives in St. Petersburg, Florida and will commute to the corporate office as needed.