Chris Sherrell Named Acting Chief Executive Officer of Sunflower Farmers Market, Following Resignation by Michael C. Gilliland as Chairman and CEO

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Feb 12, 2011, 09:57 ET

PHOENIX, Feb. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunflower Farmers Market said today that its board of directors has named Chris S. Sherrell as Acting Chief Executive Officer, following the resignation of former chairman and CEO Michael C. Gilliland earlier today from his executive positions and from the company's board of directors.

Mr. Sherrell continues to hold his prior positions of President and chief operating officer. He has been with Sunflower Farmers Market since the company was formed in 2002.

Bennett Bertoli, a member of the board of directors from the company's outset, was elected chairman by the company's board.

"Sunflower appreciates the respect that Mr. Gilliland has shown for the company by his action, so that his personal affairs will not affect the company," Mr. Sherrell said.

Mr. Gilliland was arrested Thursday by Phoenix police on felony charges. He has informed the company that he believes he is not guilty of the charges brought against him, and that he expects to be exonerated.

The change in management will not affect the company's operations or its plans for continuing expansion, Mr. Sherrell said.

About Sunflower Farmers Market

Sunflower Farmers Market (http://www.sfmarkets.com) is a rapidly growing chain of full-service grocery stores offering consumers the highest quality of natural and organic products at the lowest possible price. The company, founded in 2002, is a pioneer in the emerging value segment of the natural and organic foods retail industry. The company has 32 retail stores located in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Texas.

SOURCE Sunflower Farmers Market