Palmetto Engineering and Consulting (PEC), an employee-owned firm headquartered in South Carolina with additional offices in Arkansas and Texas, offers innovative, cost-effective engineering and data integration services since 1982. Our employee-owned team consists of licensed Professional Engineers (PE) and Engineers in Training (EIT), serving diverse industries like telecommunications, utilities, and IT/geospatial services. We excel in solving complex problems, meeting current needs, and preparing clients for future success through personalized solutions that boost business operations and profits.
Palmetto Engineering & Consulting (PEC) exists to provide superior engineering and consulting services in a way that creates value for our clients, provides meaningful careers for our employees, creates opportunities to strengthen our firm, and enriches the communities where we work and live.
Bert Kellahan, PE
Chief Executive Officer
Bert joined Palmetto Engineering & Consulting (PEC) in 2010 after earning a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Clemson University. He quickly advanced to Project Engineer, leading outside-plant design, construction oversight, and contract administration for complex infrastructure projects. In 2015, Bert founded and operated a civil engineering firm, delivering commercial, industrial, and residential projects while expanding his expertise across multiple disciplines. Returning to PEC in 2022, Bert played a key role in business development and service diversification. As Chief Executive Officer, he now leads PEC’s strategic direction while maintaining a hands-on approach to engineering excellence and operational performance.
Jeff Little
Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer
Jeff began his telecommunications career in 1995. With a background in electronics technology and general business, he has led the design and deployment of complex networks spanning wireless, power, transport, data, video, and switching technologies, with particular expertise in fiber-to-the-home initiatives and broadband grant development. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Jeff has also served in advisory roles with the National Tribal Telecommunications Association and the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association, supporting broadband expansion in rural and underserved communities. As PEC’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Jeff oversees operational execution and financial strategy, ensuring sustainable growth and continued excellence across the firm’s service lines.
Chris Roland, PE
Chief Engineering Officer & Chairman of the Board
Chris, a 1989 University of South Carolina Electrical Engineering graduate, brings over 35 years of telecommunications engineering expertise to PEC. As Chairman of PEC’s Board and Chief Engineering Officer, he holds Professional Engineer licenses in 14 states and recently served a two‑year term as President of the Association of Communications Engineers. Renowned for his nationwide project portfolio and national speaking engagements, Chris excels in technical audits of AC/DC power, grounding, and transient troubleshooting, as well as equipment specification, mitigation reporting, and network planning and modeling—making him PEC’s most seasoned specialist in central office technology.
Howard Gorter, PE
Chief Technology Officer & Board Secretary
Howard is PEC’s Chief Technology Officer, bringing 17 + years of telecommunications design and consulting expertise. He directs GIS, CAD, IT systems, and technical operations, overseeing feasibility studies, project planning, grant writing, equipment contracts, and full‑scale implementation for telecom and utility projects. His specialties include network design, multi‑project management, and technology reviews across P‑OTS, DWDM, Carrier Ethernet, MPLS/IP, FTTH/DSL, IPTV, CLASS‑5, and VoIP. Howard holds a Professional Engineer license in 17 states, is an amateur radio operator, and a former CCNA.
Scott M. Feagin
President, Eastern Division
South Carolina native, Scott joined PEC in 2013 after 20 + years of industrial‑manufacturing management. Now President of PEC’s Eastern Division, he brings deep expertise in OSP work and ILEC/CLEC FTTH projects across SC, GA, AL, and TN. Scott’s skill set spans inspection, project residency, project management, network architecture, contract oversight, grant/loan procurement, and construction management for FTTH deployments.
David Webb
President, Western Division
David brings more than 22 years of telecommunications experience to Palmetto Engineering & Consulting (PEC) and serves as President, Western Region. His background spans outside plant design, construction oversight, and project management for complex infrastructure initiatives, including RUS loan-funded projects, CLEC and ILEC FTTH/FTTN deployments, and long-haul fiber networks. Known for his strengths in contract management, technology integration, and team leadership, David plays a key role in advancing regional operations while helping clients build resilient, future-ready networks that support long-term growth.
Jared James
Sr. VP, OSP Services, Special Projects
Jared began his OSP career in 1996 at Design South Professionals and has spent 22 + years designing, constructing, and managing CLEC/ILEC projects. As PEC's VP of OSP Services, Special Projects, he oversees FTTH/FTTN/FTTP builds across the Southeast—ranging from 10 to over 100 miles—ensuring seamless fiber design, construction, and operations. With deep expertise in underground and aerial engineering, Jared excels at translating complex technical concepts into clear, actionable plans, driving project success through strong problem‑solving, critical thinking, and operational leadership.
Zac Petix
Sr. VP, Geospatial Operations & Development
Zac is a GIS professional who transforms geospatial data into operational excellence for the utility and energy sectors. By collaborating with scientists, surveyors, contractors, and landowners, he crafts tailored GIS solutions that streamline data organization, enhance visualization, and sharpen analysis across electric, oil & gas, real estate, water, and environmental land‑management projects. His multidisciplinary approach delivers actionable insights that drive efficiency, informed decision‑making, and measurable success for clients navigating complex, data‑rich landscapes.
Tony King
Sr. VP, Electrical Engineering
With over 40 years of experience, Tony brings seasoned leadership to projects across the industrial, chemical, manufacturing, and commercial sectors. His expertise encompasses engineering management, project delivery, client relations, and seamless coordination across disciplines. He is highly skilled in electrical design, power distribution, instrumentation, and controls, with a portfolio that includes complex, high-stakes environments such as process plants, clean rooms, solar photovoltaic systems, and mission-critical infrastructure.
Roger Sanders
Project Architect
Roger is a 1993 Louisiana Tech graduate with a Professional B.S. in Architecture and 31 + years of experience designing residential, commercial, religious, medical, civic, and educational buildings. As Project Architect at PEC, he leads design, production teams, and engineering coordination, ensuring every project meets specifications while prioritizing occupant health and safety. Licensed in Texas, Louisiana, and South Carolina—and expanding his credentials—Roger is dedicated to creating spaces that exceed client expectations and accommodate future growth.
George Wyatt, PE
Senior Advisor
A Clemson graduate with a BS in Electrical Engineering and an MBA, George brings more than 38 years of engineering and consulting experience to his role as a Senior Advisor at Palmetto Engineering & Consulting (PEC). As PEC’s founder and original Chief Executive Officer, he played a pivotal role in building the firm and guiding its growth across telecommunications, electric utilities, industrial manufacturing, and petroleum production support. He is widely respected for his strategic insight into broadband and telecom initiatives, regularly speaking at industry conferences. Today, George continues to support PEC’s leadership and clients through high-level strategic guidance, helping organizations navigate an increasingly complex and evolving communications landscape.
Scott Hall
Senior Advisor
Scott joined Palmetto Engineering & Consulting (PEC) in October 2009, initially serving as Director of Farmer’s Telephone Operations and later advancing to Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Over his tenure, he played a central role in shaping PEC’s telecommunications operations, overseeing major projects, contracts, and organizational growth. With a strong business background and deep experience in private-practice consulting, Scott now serves as a Senior Advisor, providing strategic insight and operational guidance informed by decades of industry knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of PEC’s clients and internal operations.
We’re always looking for passionate, driven professionals who want to make an impact in the industries we serve. Whether you’re an experienced engineer, a recent graduate, or someone looking to bring your skills to a collaborative, forward-thinking environment — PEC could be the place for you.