Michael J. Potter

MICHAEL J. POTTER is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Big Lots,
Inc., a leading retailer of closeout merchandise. Mr. Potter joined Big
Lots in 1991 as Vice President and Controller and was later promoted to
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. In 1998 he became
Executive Vice President and assumed additional responsibilities for
Distribution and Information Services. In August 2000 he was appointed
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining Big Lots, Mr.
Potter was Store Controller for The Limited, Inc., in Columbus, Ohio;
Director of Accounting for May Department Stores Company in Los Angeles,
California; and Director of Advertising and Accounting for Meier &
Frank, a division of May Department Stores in Portland, Oregon. He
earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Finance from the
University of Oregon and a Master of Business Administration, graduating
with Distinction, from Capital University. Mr. Potter was honored in
1999 by his alma mater, Capital University, with its MBA Alumni of the
Year Award. The award is given annually to an MBA graduate who has made
significant achievements in his or her career, significant service to
society and/or significant contributions to the university.