Published: February 21, 2008 01:29 pm      

CTC a reflection of its leader | Retiring DeVos vows to stay active in community

It wouldn’t be fitting for this region to lament the upcoming retirement of one of its truly fine industry and community leaders. So, instead, let’s celebrate the well-deserved exit and accomplishments of Dan DeVos.

For the past 20 years, the Baltimore native has guided Richland-based Concurrent Technologies Corp., and its predecessors, along a path that has led to its being recognized today as one of the nation’s top defense contractors.

Locally, its moniker CTC has become synonymous with success and strength and innovation.

“What started 20 years ago as a small team of dedicated professionals focused on improving metalworking technologies has grown into one of America’s top 100 government contractors,” said Howard Picking, chairman of CTC’s board.

“With Dan’s leadership, the company has grown from 15 to more than 1,400 employees at over 50 locations across the nation.”

A truly amazing story.

But while DeVos has been recognized and admired for moving his company forward at an almost unbelievable pace, he has also found time to be one of the community’s top leaders.

He has played a key role in revitalization efforts in the Johnstown area, serving as chairman of a number of organizations, including Johnstown Area Regional Industries, the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of the Laurel Highlands, Conemaugh Health System and the annual Showcase for Commerce.

He is a lifetime member of the University of Pittsburgh Alumni Association, and has served on the Advisory Board of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

“He consistently puts the betterment of the community first,” said Linda Thomson, CEO of JARI.

DeVos is on target to leave his positions of CTC president and CEO at year’s end.

His successor will be Edward J. Sheehan Jr., now senior vice president and chief financial officer.

The good news is that DeVos will continue to serve on CTC’s board of directors.

“I’m getting up there and am at the retirement age” he said. “My kids are living in different areas. And we want to spend more time with the family.

“But I am going to remain involved with the community.”

We never expected anything different. Good luck, Mr. DeVos.