PULLMAN, Washington—Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) Chief Sales & Customer Service Officer David Costello will retire on May 17, 2024, after 28 years with the company.
Costello joined SEL in 1996 as a field application engineer providing customer, technical and sales support. He went on to serve in a variety of roles, including regional service manager, technical support director and senior vice president of Sales & Customer Service.
“David’s contributions to our company, both as a technical expert and leader, are immeasurable,” said CEO Dave Whitehead. “He is someone who is focused on service, whether helping customers solve challenging problems, mentoring new employees or fostering SEL culture. He has been an outstanding role model and a source of inspiration for colleagues throughout the organization. His collaborative spirit, integrity and passion for excellence have left an indelible mark on the company.”
As Costello transitions into retirement, he leaves behind a strong foundation upon which the company will continue to build and grow. SEL has become the 15th largest employee-owned company in America; its products are in operation in virtually every substation in North America and are sold in 170 countries.
After earning his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Texas A&M University, Costello began his career as an engineer at Central Power and Light in Corpus Christi, Texas, then moved to Central and Southwest Services in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which is where he first learned about SEL.
“When I was a customer of SEL, I admired this company, its people and aspired to be a part of it,” said Costello. “After joining the company, I never imagined the experiences, roles, opportunities and fun the next three decades would afford me. I am forever indebted and very appreciative. And I am confident that SEL will continue to be successful, long into the future, because of its purpose, principles and people.”
Costello says he is looking forward to focusing on health, family, travel, mentoring and ranching.
Gerardo Urrea has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales & Customer Service and will lead the global sales and customer service organization following Costello’s retirement. Like his predecessor, Urrea brings more than 20 years of technical expertise and experience at SEL. He joined the company in 2003 as a protection design engineer and has served in a number of roles in multiple locations related to engineering and sales. In 2019, he was promoted to vice president of the Sales & Customer Service division, leading its technical sales, world-class customer service and industry-leading technical support activities.
“David is leaving behind an impressive legacy of service for our customers, the company and those under his leadership,” said Urrea. “It has been my pleasure to work closely with and learn from David. I am honored to follow in his footsteps and will continue to ensure our customers around the globe experience the quality and service only SEL provides.”
Costello and Urrea will continue to work together over the next few weeks to ensure a smooth transition.
About Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
SEL invents, designs and builds digital products and systems that protect power grids around the world. This technology prevents blackouts and enables customers to improve power system reliability, safety and cost. SEL, a 100 percent employee-owned company that is headquartered in Pullman, Washington, has manufactured products in the United States since 1984 and now serves customers in 170 countries. SEL provides unmatched technical support, customer service and a 10-year worldwide warranty.
