Southland Industries Transitions Leadership to New CEO

Irvine, CA (November 18, 2011)  —  Southland Industries announced Wednesday that it has named Ted Lynch, an 18-year veteran of the firm, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Design – Build – Maintain mechanical engineering company.

Lynch assumes the role of CEO from former CEO Andy Fimiano, who has been Southland's CEO since 2002. In January 2011, Fimiano announced that Lynch would transition to the CEO role within two years.

Today marks the culmination of the process designed by Fimiano and executed with the guidance of the Board of Directors. The selection of Lynch as the new CEO marks only the third change in leadership in the company's 62-year history.

"Southland's record of success over the years is a tribute to the leaders who have come before me," said Lynch. "I am honored to assume this new responsibility and take up the mantle to ensure that Southland remains at the forefront of the design – build industry into the future." Lynch began as an intern with Southland in 1993 while completing his Ph.D. requirements in Architectural Engineering at Penn State. He has served in numerous positions within the firm over the years, serving most recently as company President.

For Southland, a new CEO not only means a new person at the helm, but also a new perspective and a continued bright future for the company. Lynch rises to CEO just as the company is emerging from one of its best financial years to date and is excited about what lays ahead for the firm.

"As I take on this new leadership role, there will be more that stays the same than changes at Southland," Lynch said. "We will remain steadfast in our commitment to the company's core purpose and values with the goal of becoming 100 percent Design – Build – Maintain."

The construction industry is facing some uncertainty as a result of today's tough market conditions. "The world economy presents very real challenges as well as significant opportunities for Southland. I am eager to embrace both and expect only great things for our company, our people and our customers in the years ahead." Lynch said.

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About Southland

Southland Industries was founded in 1949 as a Long Beach-based supplier of residential heating solutions to the Southern California market. Southland has expanded its services exponentially through the years. Today, Southland is one of the nation's largest mechanical contractors providing full design, construction, fabrication, service and maintenance for HVAC, process piping, plumbing, fire protection, controls and automation. For more information: www.southlandind.com