Jo-an Lantz, MAS, has been promoted to CEO of the Lewiston, Maine, distributor, effective April 1. Lantz, currently the company's president, has been with Geiger for 40 years and has held a variety of roles within its ranks. She is the first nonfamily member to become CEO of the 141-year-old company.

"Jo-an is a rare talent, someone with a relentless focus on personal growth and accomplishing company goals," says Gene Geiger, who is now chairman of the board for Geiger. "She understands and embraces a culture that is unique in our industry, and I know that she will lead Geiger Nation to unprecedented success in the years ahead. I'll still have a ringside seat, and I can't wait to see what she and her superb team will achieve."

Lantz adds, "I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve this exceptional company as president and CEO. The strong culture of family, growth and investment for the long term is unique to Geiger and I'm looking forward to working with the people here and our industry in my new capacity."

Read more about this story in Thursday's PPB Newslink.