Vercie Lark Joins DST Systems as Chief Information Officer

KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DST Systems, Inc., has appointed Vercie Lark as its chief information officer (CIO).  In his role, Lark will be responsible for leading DST's enterprise information technology (IT) and data center operations. Lark joins DST from Embarq Corp., an Overland Park, Kan.-based provider of local and long-distance phone services and Internet access, where he most recently served as vice president and CIO.

While at Embarq, Lark was responsible for strategy, planning and operations of internal IT data centers, applications and communication services supporting more than five million customers. Before joining Embarq, he worked for both Hewlett Packard and Compaq Computer Corporation, holding several IT leadership positions.  Lark currently serves on the technical advisory councils for Prodapt, Prairie View A&M and Florida A&M universities, and is an active board member of the Boys Hope Girls Hope organization in Kansas City.  He is a 1985 graduate of Wright State University in Ohio, with a bachelor's degree in electrical systems engineering.

"Vercie Lark brings strong IT leadership experience and a critical understanding of what is required to guide a large-scale technology organization," said Steve Hooley, president and chief operating officer, DST Systems. "Under Vercie's leadership, DST's world-class technology platforms will continue to support the needs of our valued clients, and provide a foundation for continued growth."

As CIO, Lark is responsible for DST's IT groups, including corporate systems and all data center operations.

"DST is a respected leader within the industries it serves," said Lark. "With rapid changes in information technology come exciting business opportunities and operational challenges.  I look forward to leading DST's enterprise IT team to enable DST to seize new business opportunities while tackling the tough operational challenges that a growth company like ours must face to continue to be a leader in our industry and provide great service to our clients."

DST Systems, Inc. provides sophisticated information processing and computer software products and services to support the mutual fund, investment management, insurance and healthcare industries. In addition to technology products and services, DST provides integrated print and electronic statement and billing output solutions through a wholly owned subsidiary. DST's world-class data centers provide technology infrastructure support for mutual fund companies, healthcare providers, banks, mortgage bankers and insurance companies around the globe. DST is headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., and is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange.

The information and comments above may include forward-looking statements respecting DST and its businesses. Such information and comments are based on DST's views as of today, and actual actions or results could differ. There could be a number of factors affecting future actions or results, including those set forth in DST's latest periodic financial report (Form 10-K or 10-Q) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All such factors should be considered in evaluating any forward-looking comment. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements in this press release to reflect future events.

SOURCE DST Systems, Inc.