University of South Alabama Press Release

October 2, 2006
Contact: Leigh Patton, USA Office of Public Relations, (251) 460-6211

American Woodmark Chairman and CEO Gosa Serves as USA Mitchell College of Business Visiting Lecturer

American Woodmark Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive James “Jake” Gosa recently served as a visiting executive lecturer at the University of South Alabama Mitchell College of Business.


	American Woodmark Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive James "Jake" Gosa recently served as a visiting executive lecturer at the University of South Alabama Mitchell College of Business. The 1972 USA business graduate now leads the Virginia-based manufacturing company, which specializes in kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

The 1972 USA business graduate now leads the Virginia-based manufacturing company, which specializes in kitchen and bathroom cabinets. American Woodmark has been named one of Forbes’ 200 Best Small Companies several times during recent years. Under Gosa’s leadership, sales at the company have grown to $777 million from $200 million. Its products are being sold through many businesses including The Home Depot, Lowe’s and independent contractors. The company employs 6,300 workers. Gosa discussed his career, which began with a 13-year stint at Owens-Corning Fiberglass. He then realized that he wanted to lead a company. Gosa joined American Woodmark in 1991 and became its president in 1996. He encouraged students to set their career goals early, whether they were interested in management, accounting or professional sales. Gosa says employers value honesty and integrity and a willingness to learn and grow.