Apogee Names Joseph F. Puishys Chief Executive Officer and President
August 8, 2011

Apogee Enterprises Inc. in Minneapolis has hired Joseph F. Puishys as chief executive officer and president, effective Monday, August 22. Puishys, 53, who also becomes a member of Apogee's board of directors, comes from Fortune 100 manufacturer Honeywell and is an industry veteran, with a track record of success in leadership positions.

Apogee embarked on a national search for its next CEO following Russ Huffer's announcement of his planned retirement after a 25-year career with Apogee. With Puishys' appointment, Huffer is stepping down as CEO and board director.

"Russ Huffer leaves behind a legacy of growth and innovation at Apogee. We thank Russ for his leadership and many years of service, and are pleased to welcome Joe. He is an accomplished leader who brings vast experience and a track record of improving and growing businesses," says Bernard P. Aldrich, chairman of Apogee's board. "As the economy recovers, Joe is the ideal executive to lead the Apogee team to capitalize on the future growth opportunities that we see."

Huffer has also served as interim president of Apogee's Viracon subsidiary since Greg Silvestri left that post in February. The company reported at that time that Huffer would work with the Viracon leadership team until his successor as Apogee CEO was named and could select the next Viracon president.

Puishys has 32 years experience in manufacturing businesses, since 2008 as president of Honeywell's Environmental and Combustion Controls division, a $3 billion business. Prior to that, he led Honeywell Building Solutions, a global leader in the installation and service of integrated building solutions. He also held leadership positions in companies that were eventually bought by Honeywell, including Bendix Friction Materials and Garrett Engine Boosting System. He has also served in numerous executive and financial positions across Honeywell's businesses. As president of Honeywell Building Solutions, Puishys received several awards from Honeywell for the turnaround of the commercial construction business.

"I look forward to putting my commercial building and manufacturing background to work to lead Apogee," says Puishys. "I am excited about the growth opportunities to expand into new geographies and targeted sectors to better serve the needs of our markets."

Puishys received his bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from Bryant University and his master's in business administration from Providence College.

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