Jerry W. Throgmartin, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and a Director, joined our company in 1975. He has served as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since January 2003 and a Director since 1988. From 1999 to January 2003 he also served as our Chief Executive Officer and President. From 1988 to 1999 he served as the President and Chief Operating Officer. Other positions held by Mr. Throgmartin within our company include store manager, district manager, advertising director and Vice President of Store Operations.
Dennis L. May, our President, Chief Operating Officer and a Director, joined us in January 1999. From 1999 to January 2003 he served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer in January 2003. He became a Director in connection with the recapitalization. Mr. May joined our company as part of the acquisition of certain store leases of Sun TV & Appliance, Inc. where he held the positions of Vice President of Marketing, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
Donald J.B. Van der Wiel, our Chief Financial Officer, joined us in October 2005. From November 2004 to October 2005 he served as Vice President of Finance for Buffets Holdings, Inc., a restaurant holding company. From 2001 to October 2004 he served as Vice President, Controller of Buffets Holdings, Inc. From 1999 to 2001 he served as Controller of Things Remembered, Inc., a specialty retail chain. From 1997 to 1999 he served as Vice President of Finance for the retail division of The William Carter Company, a children's apparel company.
Michael D. Stout, our Chief Administrative Officer, joined us in 1978. Mr. Stout was named Chief Administrative Officer in October 2005. Mr. Stout served as Chief Financial Officer from 1997 to September 2005. From 1987 to 1997 he served as Treasurer. From 1986 to 1987 he served as Controller.
Stephen R. Nelson, our Chief Information Officer, joined us in August 2006. From 2002 through July 2006 he served as a Vice President and Division President for Telamon Corporation, a transition resources corporation. From 1998 through 2001 he served as the CIO and Vice President of Marketing at AFFINA, a customer service outsourcing group. From 1995 through 2000 he was a principal at Meridian Consulting Group, a consulting group.
Charles B. Young, our Chief Human Resources Officer, joined us in January 2008. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Young served as Vice President of Human Resources Store Operations and Supply Chain for the Sears Holding Company, a retail company, from 2006 to December 2007. He also served in roles as the Vice President of Human Resources – Sears Retail Stores and the Director of Human Resources while working for Sears.
Jeffrey J. McClintic, our Senior Vice President of Appliance Merchandising, joined us in 1975. Mr. McClintic was named Vice President of Appliance Merchandising in 2001. Other positions held by Mr. McClintic with our company include Appliance Merchandising Manager, Director of Commercial Sales, Director of Service, store manager, regional manager and buyer.
Michael G. Larimer, our Senior Vice President of Electronics Merchandising, joined us in March 1999. From 1999 to 2001 he served as the Video Merchandising Manager and was appointed Vice President of Electronics Merchandising in 2001. Prior to joining our company Mr. Larimer served as the Vice President of Electronics and Appliances at Sun TV & Appliances, Inc. from 1986 to 1999.
Gregg W. Throgmartin, our Senior Vice President of Store Operations, joined us in 2001. Mr. Throgmartin was named Senior Vice President of Store Operations in June 2008. Other positions held by Mr. Throgmartin with our company include Vice President of Sales, Director of Strategic Merchandising, Regional Manager, and Store General Manager.