Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD), a leader in fiber connectivity solutions for telecom, data center, and network infrastructure environments, today announced that Cheri Beranek will retire as the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 31, 2027. Ms. Beranek will serve in her existing role until the earlier of the appointment of her successor or her retirement date. Upon the appointment of her successor, Ms. Beranek will continue employment with the Company in a non-director role with the title of President and Chief Executive Officer Emeritus.
As part of its succession planning process, the Board of Directors will initiate a search for the Company's next CEO and will consider external and internal candidates, in partnership with a nationally recognized search firm.
"On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to sincerely thank Cheri for her exceptional leadership and dedication to Clearfield," stated Catherine T. Kelly, the Chair of the Board of Directors. "Cheri has made an indelible mark on Clearfield over these last two decades, including serving as the key architect of the Company's product and market expansion, driving profitable growth, and building capabilities to evolve Clearfield into the business it is today."
Related:China targets 1M 50G-PON ports by 2030
In reflecting on her tenure, Cheri Beranek commented, "It has been a privilege to serve as Clearfield’s President and Chief Executive Officer. From co-founding the company in 2008 to today, I am so very proud of the outstanding business we have built. I'd like to thank the entire Clearfield team for bringing their passion to work, tirelessly striving for operational excellence, and always delivering for our customers. With Clearfield well positioned for its next phase of growth, I believe now is the right time to activate the succession planning process and for me to move to an Emeritus position in order to assist in the transition to Clearfield's next leader."
Clearfield expects its fiscal 2026 fourth quarter and full-year financial results to be in-line with the guidance provided on its fiscal 2026 third quarter earnings call on August 5, 2026.
Read the full press release here.