Spartan Motors Names James A. Sharman as Chairman of the Board

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May 24, 2017, 09:00 ET

CHARLOTTE, Mich., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAR) ("Spartan" or the "Company"), a global leader in specialty chassis and vehicle design, manufacturing and assembly, today announced that James A. Sharman has been elected by its Board to serve as Chairman of the Board, effective immediately. Sharman will succeed Hugh Sloan, who is retiring from this role which he has served in since 2010.

"On behalf of our employees, the entire management team, and our Board of Directors, I would like to thank Hugh for his leadership and support as we've navigated our way through the unique challenges and opportunities that have faced Spartan Motors over the last several years," said Daryl Adams, President and Chief Executive Officer. "During his leadership, Spartan has thrived through tough economic times and has emerged well positioned for even greater success in the future. Hugh's wide-ranging experience and unending pursuit of our shareholders' interests is an inspiration to us all."

Sharman joined the Spartan Board in February 2016 as an Independent Director and brings a diverse background to the role, including executive and leadership positions in supply chain management/logistics, business management, and private equity companies. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Coyote Logistics, LLC. Prior to that, he spent several years as Principal of Truecast Capital, LLC. His work history includes President and CEO of World Kitchen, Inc. and Rubicon Technology, as well as VP General Manager, Latin America, for the Case Corporation. He has also served as the Commanding Officer of an Engineering Company in the U.S. Army and was an Assistant Professor at the United States Military Academy, West Point.

"I would also like to formally welcome Jim to his new role," added Adams. "He has been an excellent resource since joining our Board and we are confident that he will help us grow the company in the future."

"I'm thrilled to be appointed to this position and honored to have had the opportunity to learn from Hugh's great leadership and wealth of experience this past year," said Jim Sharman, Chairman of the Board. "I'm extremely confident in the ability of the Board, the management team, and all of the employees at Spartan Motors to support the momentum that's building as we execute on some of the most exciting growth opportunities in Spartan's history."

About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. is a leading designer, engineer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty vehicles, specialty chassis, vehicle bodies and parts for the fleet and delivery, recreational vehicle (RV), emergency response, defense forces and contract assembly (light/medium duty truck) markets. The Company's brand names — Spartan Motors, Spartan Specialty Vehicles, Spartan Emergency Response, Spartan Parts and Accessories; Smeal® and its family of brands, including Ladder Tower™ and UST®; and Utilimaster®, a Spartan Motors Company — are known for quality, durability, performance, customer service and first-to-market innovation. The Company employs approximately 2,200 associates and operates facilities in Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska, South Dakota; Saltillo, Mexico; and Lima, Peru. Spartan reported sales of $591 million in 2016. Visit Spartan Motors at www.spartanmotors.com.