JAMESTOWN – February 3, 2012 – Bush Industries, Inc., recently announced that Jim Sherbert has stepped down as CEO and will retire this spring.  Sherbert, who has served as CEO of Bush Industries since August 2005, will continue to serve in a transitional role until his retirement date and assist with efforts such as international affairs.  Jim Garde, who has served as CFO and most recently as president of the BBF Division, assumes leadership of Bush Industries. 
 
Jim Sherbert joined Bush Industries as CEO more than six years ago following a company reorganization and set out to further establish Bush Industries as an industry leader. Prior to joining Bush, Sherbert served as the CEO of Castle Rock Industries; President and Chief Operating Officer of Southcorp Packaging USA; and President and Chief Operating Officer of Advance Packaging.  He began his career at Container Corporation of America, rising through the sales ranks to General Manager.  During his college years, he was a Second Team All American linebacker for Oregon State University. 
 
“It’s been an incredible, six-year journey that I’ve taken with Bush Industries and I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished during that period and grateful to everyone at Bush who has contributed to advance the efforts of the company,” said Sherbert. “I have every confidence that Jim Garde will direct the company toward continued excellence and growth.”
 
Jim Garde was named president of the BBF Division in August 2011 when it became a distinct operating division of Bush Industries.  Prior to this, Garde served as chief financial officer and executive vice president of Bush Industries since 2006.  Through his vast executive-level financial and operations experience with Bush and companies such as Heidelberg Digital LLC and Heidelberg Web Systems, Inc., he brings to his new role a disciplined management focus and proven track record of leading company operations and increasing profitability.
 
“We are grateful for Jim Sherbert’s leadership over the past six years.  He has done a tremendous job of navigating us as a company through one of the most challenging economic periods in history,” said Garde.  “I accept my new role with the confidence that we have the people, products and position in the market to continue to thrive and excel in the industry.”