Stewards Inc. (OTC: SWRD) has appointed John Bode to its board of directors, where he will serve as chair of the audit committee, effective immediately. The appointment brings more than two decades of senior financial leadership and public-company governance experience to Stewards' board as the company advances its growth strategy and prepares for a planned Nasdaq uplisting.
Bode currently serves as executive vice president, chief financial officer, and chief transformation officer of Postmedia Network Canada Corp. His prior leadership roles include positions at Tribune Publishing and ReaderLink Distribution Services. Stewards stated that Bode's expertise in financial oversight, internal controls, and audit discipline will strengthen the company's governance framework during this period of strategic development.
The appointment comes as Stewards positions itself for potential uplisting to Nasdaq, a move that typically requires enhanced governance standards and financial reporting rigor. Bode's experience with public companies and audit committee leadership provides Stewards with additional credibility as it navigates this transition. The company emphasized that Bode's background aligns with its focus on transparent governance and disciplined financial management.
Stewards operates as a diversified private credit, real asset and digital finance platform that provides scalable financing and structured credit solutions to small and mid-sized businesses across the United States. The company is also building a portfolio of income-producing real estate and digital treasury assets designed to enhance balance sheet stability. Additional information about the company is available in its newsroom at https://nnw.fm/SWRD.
This board appointment represents a strategic move to bolster Stewards' governance structure as it pursues growth opportunities and prepares for potential listing on a major exchange. The addition of an experienced audit committee chair with Bode's credentials may provide investors with greater confidence in the company's financial controls and reporting practices during a period of expansion and market transition.
