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PULLMAN, Washington — Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) has promoted two long-time employees to the role of vice president. The new positions are the result of the company’s global growth and will focus on SEL customer service, sales and engineering services outside of the U.S. and Canada.

Gerardo Urrea (pictured on the left) has been named vice president of Sales & Customer Service (S&CS). Urrea joined SEL in 2003 and has more than 16 years of experience working with SEL customers and has an in-depth understanding of their needs. He has served in a variety of roles, including protection design engineer, S&CS business director and regional Sales & Services director. 

“I’m excited about this new challenge and eager to continue to learn from our customers and sales representatives around the globe,” said Urrea. “My full energy will be focused on teaching and selling the value of SEL innovation and delighting our customers.” 

Sai Raghupathula (pictured on the right) will take on the role of vice president of Engineering Services, the division that provides engineered systems and consulting services for electric utility and industrial power systems worldwide. Raghupathula joined SEL in 2004 and has served in a variety of roles, including engineer, ES regional director, and senior engineering director of Secure Solutions.

“This is a great opportunity to lead SEL Engineering Services teams in the implementation and advancement of SEL’s outstanding technology around the world,” said Raghupathula.

Urrea and Raghupathula will report to David Costello, chief Sales & Services officer, who leads both divisions globally. 

“I’m so proud of both Gerardo and Sai,” said Costello. “Gerardo started out as an SEL customer and has a unique understanding of what great customer service looks like. And Sai started as an SEL intern while a student at the University of Idaho and has accomplished so much, including becoming a U.S. citizen this year.” 

In addition to its 58 U.S. offices, SEL now has 44 offices around the world and has products in 165 countries.

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. SEL provides unmatched technical support, customer service and a 10-year worldwide warranty.