Sono-Tek Corporation announced that Effective as of December 31, 2023, Dr. Christopher L. Coccio transitioned from his position as Chief Executive Officer of Sono-Tek Corporation to the Company?s Executive Chairman. He will also continue to serve as Chairman of the Company?s Board of Directors. As Executive Chairman, Dr. Coccio will continue to play a senior leadership role in the Company?s management.

Effective upon Dr. Coccio?s transition, the Board formalized the appointment of R. Stephen Harshbarger as the Company?s Chief Executive Officer. He will also remain President, a position he has held since 2012. Mr. Harshbarger has over 30 years of experience in ultrasonic coating equipment for the electronics, medical device and advanced energy industries.

He joined Sono-Tek in 1993 and was appointed President of the Company in 2012, elected a Director in 2013, and in August 2020, he assumed the Chief Operating Officer position as well. As President, he directed the Company?s Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Service, and Manufacturing Operations. Prior to becoming President, Mr. Harshbarger served as Sales Engineer, World-Wide Sales and Marketing Manager, Vice President & Director of Electronics and Advanced Energy (E&AE) and Executive Vice President.

In his years managing the sales organization, Mr. Harshbarger established a worldwide distribution and representative network in more than 40 countries consisting of more than 300 people, and contributing to revenue growth of greater than 400%. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Harshbarger was the Sales and Marketing Manager for Plasmaco Inc., a world leader in the development of flat panel displays. In that position, he established that company?s distribution network, participated in venture capital funding, and introduced the first flat panel technology to Wall Street trading floors.

Mr. Harshbarger is a graduate of Bentley University with a major in Finance and a minor in Marketing.