2024 was a pivotal year of growth and change for SCS Global Services. Following the passing of SCS Founder and CEO, Dr. Stanley P. Rhodes in late 2023, the SCS Board of Directors appointed Board Chairman, Jim Knutzon, as interim CEO. In this role, Jim deftly guided SCS through the transition, engaging the company leadership team to reinforce company programs and initiatives, ensure that our clients were well supported, and drive the selection of the next CEO.
I couldn’t have been more excited that in July, after a review of many qualified candidates, the Board put their trust in me by appointing me to serve as the new CEO for SCS. This is the honor of a lifetime. SCS embodies the values I cherish most – respect for people, stewardship of the Earth’s resources, and a willingness to roll up our sleeves to make a positive difference every day.
As a first step, I appointed my Executive Leadership Team. In addition to long-time Chief Financial Officer Scott Romito, I promoted several SCS veterans into new roles: Diana Kirsanova Phillips as Chief of Staff to the CEO and Chief Assurance Officer, Stowe Beam as Chief People Officer, and Scott Harlow as Chief Information Officer. This superb team quickly coalesced and communicated an updated business strategy in alignment with the original vision of the company – advancing environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and product safety through the application of sound science and objective assessment. Our strategy is based on four pillars: Business Growth and Financial Success, Global Responsibility, Quality of Service, and Company Culture.
Additionally, in 2024, we fulfilled our late founder’s dream of establishing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), enabling vested employees to become owners of the company. This step is a reflection of our strong belief that our employees are our greatest asset.
By all measures, 2024 was a successful year. The company workforce grew by 10%, revenue increased, new services and standards were introduced, and the company culture thrived. I am energized by the opportunities my first full year of leadership offers. Stay tuned for an even greater expansion of services in 2025.