Smith & Associates Designates Mark Bollinger to Lead Global Business Development Efforts

March 6, 2002
Smith & Associates Designates Mark Bollinger to Lead Global Business Development Efforts.

Houston, Texas -Smith & Associates, a leading Independent Distributor of electronic components, announced today that Mark Bollinger will head all global business development efforts with specific responsibility for worldwide strategic planning. Mr. Bollinger, who joined Smith & Associates in 2000 as Director of Business Development, will leverage Smith's global reach to further their existing and future developments.

According to Lee Ackerley, executive vice-president and co-founder of Smith & Associates, "Mark's industry expertise, extensive business development experience, and outstanding professional reputation uniquely qualify him to assume this responsibility for our global initiatives." Ackerley stated, "I believe his strategic oversight and day-to-day tactical guidance will enhance Smith & Associates' position as a global leader and will accelerate our business development success." "I am excited to use my experience with Smith & Associates to enhance our competitive position and global presence," stated Mr. Bollinger. "I believe Smith's commitment to customer service and dependable reputation will be instrumental in strengthening client relationships." Bollinger came to Smith & Associates from the Federal Communications Commission in Washington DC. At the FCC, he managed the Federal Government's wireless telecommunications spectrum auction program.

He also helped draft many of the wireless telecommunications regulations that currently shape the growing industry. Bollinger's past experience gives him a unique perspective to view the high-tech and telecom industries. Bollinger received his B.A. from William Jewell College and his J.D. from the University of Missouri School of Law.

Smith & Associates
Founded in 1984, Smith & Associates (www.smithweb.com) is a multi-hundred million dollar Independent Distributor of semiconductors, electronic components, and computer products to manufacturers and resellers of high-technology and computer equipment. Smith has more than 15,000 suppliers and partners in over 60 countries and was one of the first Independent Distributors to provide open-market component pricing via the Internet. Smith is also a leader in "just-in-time" delivery with the ability to deliver large quantities of components anywhere in the world, with very short lead times. Smith has offices in Houston, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, Seoul, Guadalajara, Barcelona, and Silicon Valley. For more information, please call SmithDirect at 1-800-HOUSTON or 713-430-3000.