Company: CRWS
Filing Date: 2025-06-27
Form Type: DEF 14A
Source: 0001437749-25-021381
Chunk: 13

Company: CROWN CRAFTS INC
Filing Date: 2025-06-27
Form: DEF 14A
Chunk 13
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. Continuity of service and this development of institutional knowledge help make the Board more efficient and effective at developing long-range plans than it would be if there were frequent turnover in Board membership.

As noted above, Ms. Elliott has been with the Company since November 2001, serving in both financial and operational leadership positions. Her perspective with respect to the Company’s progress and past challenges is essential when the Board is evaluating issues and risks facing the Company. Her knowledge and understanding of the industry and its key players, including suppliers and customers, make Ms. Elliott a valuable resource for the Board.

Mr. Benstock brings to the Company a valuable understanding of its opportunities and the challenges it faces. During a long and successful career, he has held the top executive officer position with a Nasdaq-listed consumer products company and has served on the boards of other successful companies, including a company in the financial services industry.

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Mr. Nie is a key voice on the Board with respect to strategy and growth. During his varied career, he has gained valuable perspective on management matters, having served in top executive positions with other manufacturing companies.

Dr. Ratajczak is a leading economist who is regularly called on to provide advice and guidance with respect to financial and economic matters. His considerable expertise and experience in these areas combine with his understanding of the Company’s operations to make him a significant contributor to the Board.

Ms. Stensrud brings to the Company extensive experience in the consumer goods and apparel industries. Her experience provides the Company with added insight into the views of retailers and suppliers alike and enables Ms. Stensrud to offer a unique and valuable perspective to the Board.

Director Independence

Pursuant to our Principles of Corporate Governance and the listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”), a majority of the members of the Board must be independent of the Company. For a director to be considered independent, the Board must determine that the director meets the independence criteria of the SEC and Nasdaq, as well as any other independence standards applicable to independent Board members as may be in effect from time to time under applicable laws, rules and regulations. For a director to be considered independent, the Board must determine that the director does not have a relationship with the Company that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. In making this determination, the Board will consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including any transactions or relationships between the director and the Company or its subsidiaries.

The Board