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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (January 2006) - The ringing in of a new year signaled the beginnings of intense efforts to recruit Southern Research Institute's next leader. In Sept. 2005, Robert C. Lonergan announced that he would retire as president and CEO of Southern Research Institute effective June 30, 2006.
"It has been an honor to lead this prestigious organization, and I am grateful for the teaching, cooperation, guidance, and encouragement that I received from everyone at Southern Research, our clients, sponsors, suppliers, The University of Alabama System, UAB, our board of directors, and people in all of the communities we serve," said Lonergan. "I have loved my time here, and everyone has been wonderful to Judy and me, but the team is ready to lead Southern Research."
Lonergan said he will work with the board of directors to find the next leader of Southern Research. "The board expects us to keep building our momentum, and assure a seamless leadership transition," he said. In a letter to employees, Lonergan wrote: "I'm sure you will agree that this is the right approach, because the only things we control are our own performance and how we will look as an organization when a new leader joins us. Our mission to grow and become self-sustaining will not change."
Lonergan said Southern Research has made progress in many areas, but is really only beginning to accomplish the "must" objective of becoming financially self-sustaining.
"I expect that the new leader will have better ideas and approaches than mine; but, there is no time to speculate, or lose focus and speed. Thanks to you, our agenda is filled with exciting, forward-looking initiatives. What's more, you have each worked very hard to execute our turnaround strategies over the past five years. There is no doubt in my mind that you will lead us in achieving our vision for Southern Research."
Lonergan, a former executive with General Electric and Owens-Corning prior to joining Southern Research in 2001, has led the organization through a very strategic period in its evolution. During his tenure, Southern Research has focused on market alignment, making strategic investments in people and technologies, and taking steps to become self-sustaining as a way to ensure future growth.
Dr. Carol Garrison, president of The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) who also chairs the Southern Research Board of Directors, has met with the senior management team at Southern Research to discuss the process for the nationwide executive search to select the next president and CEO of Southern Research Institute.
She emphasized that the process is often used for selecting senior leaders at a variety of institutions, and it allows for the consideration of internal candidates. The entire process is expected to be completed by Lonergan's announced retirement date.
"Until then, it is business as usual," said Lonergan.