Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) has announced significant leadership changes as the company marks its 41st year. At a recent Board of Directors meeting, SEL President Dr. Ed Schweitzer asked Dave Whitehead, the current CEO, to assume the additional role of President. Additionally, Joey Nestegard, SEL's Chief Business and Financial Officer, was promoted to Executive Vice President.

Dr. Schweitzer, who has led SEL since its founding in 1984, will now hold the title of Founder. "Dave and Joey are already doing an excellent job leading SEL," said Dr. Schweitzer. "I want to contribute more as a mentor, inventor, collaborator, and teacher."

Dr. Schweitzer, 77, founded SEL in Pullman, Washington, and has guided its strategic direction, shaping it into a 100% employee-owned company with nearly 7,000 employees. Whitehead joined SEL in 1994 as a hardware engineer and later led the company's Research & Development division before becoming CEO. Nestegard joined in 2002, playing a pivotal role in transitioning SEL to full employee ownership in 2009.

"I am incredibly honored to take on this role and thankful for the experiences I've had at SEL, especially working closely with Ed," said Whitehead. Nestegard added, "Ed's passion for innovation and his commitment to employees and the industry inspire us all."

SEL continues to serve the electric power industry by developing cutting-edge solutions for energy systems, cybersecurity, metering, and communication challenges.