David Costello is a seasoned executive with over 35 years of leadership experience in the electric power systems industry, renowned for his innovation, results, and commitment to excellence. Most recently, he retired from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (SEL), where he spent nearly three decades ascending through various leadership roles, ultimately serving as Chief Sales and Customer Service Officer. In this capacity, he was responsible for global sales, customer service, and technical support, reporting directly to the CEO while also serving on the boards of several SEL subsidiary companies.
Throughout his career at SEL, David led significant initiatives that resulted in SEL doubling every five years, profitably, and established SEL as the global leader in power systems products and services, with sales spanning 170 countries. He has been instrumental in driving the company’s strategic vision and fostering a culture of high performance and customer loyalty. His expertise in building high-performance teams and explaining complex technical solutions in a practical and engaging way has made him a respected figure in the industry.
David is an accomplished author and speaker, having authored over 30 technical papers and 25 application guides. His contributions to the field have earned him recognition, including the prestigious Walter E. Elmore Best Paper Award from the Georgia Tech Protective Relay Conference and the Engineer of the Year Award from the Central Texas Section of the IEEE Power Engineering Society. He is a registered professional engineer in Texas and Michigan and a senior member of the IEEE.
In addition to his professional achievements, David is passionate about mentoring and guiding the next generation of engineers. He served on the planning committee for the Conference for Protective Relay Engineers at Texas A&M University for over two decades, co-founded the SEL interactive seminar concept, and led SEL’s Modern Solutions power systems conference for many years. Having retired from a demanding corporate role, he seeks to engage in board positions where he can leverage his extensive experience and provide strategic insight. David holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University and has completed the Utility Executive Course at the University of Idaho. He resides in the San Antonio, Texas Metropolitan Area, where he enjoys sports, ranching, and traveling with his family.
Character
David Costello exemplifies integrity and professionalism, having built a reputation as a trusted leader in the electric power systems industry over his 35-year career. His commitment to mentorship and development reflects his dedication to fostering a positive organizational culture.
Knowledge
With extensive expertise in power systems, David has authored and presented over 30 technical papers and application guides, showcasing his deep understanding of the field. He has served as an expert witness in litigation. His technical acumen is further demonstrated through his leadership roles at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, where he drove innovative solutions and global sales strategies and results.
Strategic
David has a proven track record of developing and executing strategies that achieve double-digit growth, profitably doubling every five years, and customer loyalty. David led three divisions at SEL, including Sales, Engineering Services and Marketing. His leadership in various capacities has solidified SEL’s position as a global leader in the industry, showcasing his ability to align organizational goals with market opportunities.
Communication
As an accomplished author and speaker, David effectively communicates complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, making him a respected figure in the industry. His role in leading global sales and customer service has honed his ability to listen, engage stakeholders, successfully negotiate positive outcomes, and foster collaborative relationships.
