About ECE
Our Story
1968: Our Founding
Founded in 1968 by visionary leaders Billy Roseman, R.V. Southworth, Ted McGavran, and William Harkey, we began with a single, powerful mission: to provide exceptional engineering consultation services to electric utilities. From day one, our focus has been on delivering innovative solutions to Rural Utility Service Cooperatives, and more than 50 years later, that mission continues to drive us forward.
1985: Electrical Consulting Engineers Formed
When R.V. Southworth resigned in 1985, it allowed the company, founded as "R.V. Southworth & Associates" to become Electrical Consulting Engineers, Inc. or ECE as it is now known today.
2012: Employee Owned Company
ECE took a bold step toward strengthening our commitment to our employees and clients by becoming a 100% employee-owned company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This milestone solidified our dedication to a culture of collaboration, responsibility, and long-term success.
ECE Today
Today, ECE proudly serves not just Rural Utility Service Cooperatives, but also Investor-Owned Utilities, municipalities, industrial clients, and developers. Our corporate headquarters is in Matthews, North Carolina (moved from Charlotte in 2024), with branch offices in Rock Hill, South Carolina (opened 2020) and Garner, North Carolina (opened 2025).
Our Leadership
Under the leadership of CEO Joshua R. Black, PE, and COO William “Chris” Crosby, PE, PLS, ECE continues to thrive. Our team of seasoned engineers is at the forefront of technology, armed with the latest software and techniques to provide cutting-edge, efficient solutions. We pride ourselves on our client-first approach, always striving to exceed expectations with integrity, loyalty, and competence.
ECE's Reach
ECE is a licensed engineering firm offering professional engineering and land surveying services. With licensed landscape architects and real estate professionals on staff, ECE is equipped to support every phase of our clients’ projects.
The ECE Difference
At ECE, employee ownership means we all share responsibility for excellence. Every solution we deliver reflects our dedication—not only to high-quality design, but also to providing exceptional service. We listen, collaborate, and follow through, ensuring our work makes a lasting impact on the communities and clients we serve.
Executive Team
Our executives bring together complementary expertise in power engineering, project management, and business leadership to guide ECE's strategic vision and ensure exceptional client outcomes.
Why Choose ECE?
ECE is a 100% employee-owned engineering firm with deep roots in the power industry. Our team of dedicated professionals brings decades of combined experience to every project, ensuring reliable and innovative solutions for our clients.
From system design and planning to construction management and commissioning, we provide comprehensive engineering services that help utilities deliver safe, reliable power to the communities they serve.
