8-K: Expion360 Appoints Shawna Bowin as Chief Financial Officer

Expion360 Inc. announced the appointment of Shawna Bowin as Chief Financial Officer, effective September 3, 2025, replacing interim CFO Brian Schaffner.

Summary

• Expion360 Inc. appointed Shawna Bowin as Chief Financial Officer, effective September 3, 2025.
• Ms. Bowin previously served as the company's Controller since February 2025 and joined as Senior Accountant in January 2022.
• Brian Schaffner resigned from his role as Interim Chief Financial Officer but will continue as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors.
• Ms. Bowin, 48, brings over 20 years of accounting experience, including roles at Hodge Western Corp., JTS Animal Bedding, and American Licorice Company.
• Her compensation package includes an initial one-year employment term, a base salary of $192,000, and a special one-time bonus of $192,000.
• Ms. Bowin is also eligible for an annual performance-based bonus and participation in the company's 2021 Incentive Award Plan and other benefit plans.
• The employment agreement includes restrictive covenants such as a one-year non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, and a confidentiality provision.
• A press release announcing these changes was issued on September 8, 2025.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The sentiment is moderately positive. The appointment of an experienced internal candidate to CFO provides continuity and allows the CEO to focus on strategic growth. No negative financial or operational news was disclosed.

Positives

• The appointment of Shawna Bowin, an internal candidate with over 20 years of accounting experience and a proven track record within the company, ensures continuity and deep knowledge of the business.
• Brian Schaffner, the CEO, can now fully focus on his strategic leadership responsibilities, including expanding distribution and advancing lithium-ion battery technology.
• Ms. Bowin's experience in guiding the company through annual audits, quarterly reviews, and SEC reporting makes her an ideal fit for the CFO role.

Risks

• Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future actions or performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect current plans.
• Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended, or planned.

Future Outlook

The company aims to continue executing on key growth initiatives, with a focus on expanding distribution and advancing its lithium-ion battery technology. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties.

Management Comments

• "We welcome Shawna to the position and are honored to have someone of her caliber and financial skill set serve as our Chief Financial Officer."
• "Shawnas leadership as Controller, especially guiding us through the complexities of annual audits, quarterly reviews and SEC reporting, makes her an ideal fit for the role."
• "With her deep knowledge of our business and proven ability to navigate financial and regulatory requirements, I am confident she will excel in this new role."
• "We look forward to her contributions as we continue to execute on our key growth initiatives, with a focus on expanding distribution and advancing our lithium-ion battery technology."

Industry Context

Expion360 operates in the growing lithium-ion battery power storage market, serving recreational vehicles, marine applications, Light EV, and residential energy storage. The appointment of an experienced CFO is a standard operational move for a company focused on growth in a competitive and evolving industry.

Management Changes

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The appointment of an experienced CFO and the CEO's renewed focus on strategic growth could be viewed positively, potentially enhancing investor confidence in financial management and future direction.
• Employees: The internal promotion of Shawna Bowin from Controller to CFO demonstrates career progression opportunities within the company.
• Customers/Suppliers: No direct impact mentioned, but a stable and experienced financial leadership team can contribute to overall company stability and operational efficiency.

Next Steps

• Expion360 will continue to execute on its key growth initiatives, focusing on expanding distribution and advancing its lithium-ion battery technology.
• The full text of Ms. Bowin's Employment Agreement will be attached as an exhibit to the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending September 30, 2025.

Key Dates

Keywords

Expion360, XPON, CFO appointment, Chief Financial Officer, Shawna Bowin, Brian Schaffner, management change, lithium-ion battery, energy storage, corporate governance, SEC filing