Wahlco Executive Quits, Joins Alpha Microsystems
Michael J. Lowell, the chief financial officer of air-pollution products maker Wahlco Environmental Systems Inc., has resigned to accept the same position at Alpha Microsystems.
Lowell, 36, is expected to start at Alpha Microsystems on March 6, reporting directly to President Douglas J. Tullio. Lowell replaces John D. Murray, 53, who resigned in December.
“We are pleased that Mike Lowell has accepted this appointment,” Tullio said. “He has exactly the combination of strengths and experience we envisioned in an ideal CFO.”
Lowell joined Wahlco in 1990, when it became a publicly traded company. Previously, he worked three years for San Diego-based Pacific Diversified Capital--80% parent company of Wahlco--having joined as assistant controller.
Wahlco said it was sorry to see Lowell depart.
“Michael has made valuable contributions to the company during his tenure, and we regret his departure,” said President Henry N. Huta, who will assume Lowell’s responsibilities on an interim basis.
* Larry Mount has joined Mission First Financial, the investment and financial services subsidiary of SCEcorp, as senior counsel. He will be responsible for the company’s legal matters, and work with outside law firms retained by the company. Previously, Mount was a partner in a Pasadena law firm. He was also an attorney at Southern California Edison, representing the company in regulatory matters.
* Richard J. Berzle has been appointed vice president of marketing for StarBase Corp., an Irvine software company. He was previously vice president of marketing for the desktop document systems division of Xerox Corp. in Palo Alto. In addition, Pamela K. Pyle has been named to the position of director, marketing communications. She joined the company after six years with WordPerfect Corp.
* Robert Lobb has been appointed vice president of sales in North America for Universal Alloy Corp., an Anaheim producer of aircraft extrusions. He had been sales manager for the company. Also, Yukio Murakawa was appointed vice president of sales for Asia-Pacific. He was formerly Asia sales manager.
* Carolyn Carey has been appointed vice president of marketing and sales for Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park. She had been director of marketing. Carey joined Knott’s in 1977 as manager of marketing research and assumed responsibility for the marketing division in 1993. In addition, Jeff Whynot was appointed vice president of human resources. He had been director of human resources.
* Chuck Haggerty, chairman, president and chief executive of Western Digital Corp. in Irvine, has been elected a director of Navistar International Corp., a Chicago manufacturer of trucks and diesel engines.
* Paul J. Wood has joined Paine & Associates, a Costa Mesa public relations agency, as vice president. He was previously director of corporate communications for Burson-Marsteller’s China operations. In his new position, Wood will manage the agency’s corporate and financial communications, public affairs and health-care business.
* Terry M. Brennan has been named treasurer and chief financial officer of Leighton & Associates Inc., an Irvine geotechnical and environmental engineering firm. He will oversee financial services, risk management, human resources, benefits and information-systems facilities.
* Larry Tenney has been elected chairman of the board of the Volunteer Center of Greater Orange County in Santa Ana. He is senior vice president and general manager of Nelson Communications Group in Irvine.
