Recently, Specialized announced that Chris Smith would join their team as General Manager of Specialized USA. Mike Sinyard, the company's founder and president recently wrote a letter to his dealers stating that Chris and his family will not be making this move.

“Chris is one of the very best in the business,” he said, “and I will miss the opportunity to work together, and we wish them the very best.”

John Thompson continues his leadership of Specialized USA operation as National Sales Manager. Thompson will hire two Regional Sales Managers: in the East, to assume Thompson's previous role; and one in the West, to replace Don Shipman, who has recently left Specialized. Mark Ashley remains at the helm of the Central Region. Additionally, Specialized announced the promotion of Stacey Sell to the newly created role of Inside Sales Manager.