About us

Having earned a proud reputation for building one of the most productive, qualified, and safest workforces in the utility service industry, Southeast Connections delivers superior results and unmatched value to our customers. Since 1996, Southeast Connections has provided pipeline and facilities installation and repair, HDD/boring services, and comprehensive sewer camera inspection.

Pioneers in the Gas Industry

Southeast Connections specializes in energy infrastructure serving the natural gas industry. Our world-class utility infrastructure solutions are backed by more than 350 crews serving the utilities natural gas distribution and transmission needs of almost every major customer in the Southeastern United States.

With a $40 million equipment fleet, we ensure our teams have the resources they need to do their best work and finish on time. We are committed to safety and training to ensure all team members understand how to mitigate the risks and perform their jobs to the best of their ability.

Core Values

Safety

Operating safely is the most important thing we do. Our team takes great care to ensure that everyone present on the job site understands all hazards and the safeguards that are in place to prevent accidents and injuries. Each day begins with a safety themed “tool box talk” designed to ensure that everyone maintains a strong risk awareness throughout the day.

Integrity & Accountability

Our word is our bond. The strength of our reputation is built on never sacrificing safety or quality, while always exceeding the customer’s expectations. We believe our people make Southeast Connections the best company in the industry.

Excellence

Our teams understand that the outstanding service they deliver daily has a direct impact on the communities where we work. Our goal is to always understand the customer’s needs and exceed their expectations.

Transparency

SEC holds our team to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. We welcome questions about our safety programs, training, quality standards, or why we have recommended a specific process for your project. Southeast Connections is recognized as an industry leader in the natural gas construction market.

Continuous Improvement

The focus on Continuous Improvement is a cornerstone at SEC. We encourage all of our team members to look for best practices that can enhance every aspect of our performance. As we become more proficient, the value we bring to our clients increases. We always embrace new technologies that could make the project better without sacrificing quality or safety.

Safety

Every day starts and ends with safety. We work in the safest possible conditions and are committed to continuous improvement of our safety protocol. Through extensive training and self-inspection we promote a culture of safety throughout our organization at every level and on every job site.

Integrity & Accountability

We are committed to diversity and inclusion within our teams and our supplier base. We support the communities where we live and work through economic development, community outreach, and ensuring a diverse workforce and supplier base.

A culture built on safety

Continuous Improvement

Continuous Improvement

Continuous Improvement

OUR HISTORY

1996

Company Founded

SEC founded with 4 pieces of equipment and 13 men

2004

Company Diversifies

Company diversified its portfolio by venturing into the Natural Gas Industry

2010

Company Transmission Project

Southeast Connections completes the first gas transmission project

2011

PowerTeam Services Formed

Southeast Connections becomes part of PowerTeam Services

2019

Continued Growth

Southeast Connections employs over 1600 people

2020

Artera Services

PowerTeam Services becomes Artera Services, with more than $2 billion in revenue and 9,200 employees

Our Work is Nationwide

Over the years, SEC has worked in the following states as the Prime Contractor or as a Subcontractor.

Our Leadership Team

Our leadership team is committed to providing solutions to the ever-changing needs of our customers. With over a century of industry experience and knowledge collectively, these men and women understand how to navigate the challenges of a constantly evolving and complex industry and consistently deliver best-in-class results.

Kyle Ormsby

President

Kyle Ormsby serves as President of Southeast Connections and of the South Gas Division of Artera. Prior to joining SEC, Kyle spent 16 years with a major utility provider, with his last position being Managing Director, Construction Operations. In this role, Kyle was responsible for Distribution and Transmission Construction across all of the company’s assets throughout a seven-state area. Kyle has a BS in Industrial Engineering from Auburn University.

Ron Ridout

Chief Financial Officer

Ron Ridout serves as the Chief Financial Officer with Southeast Connections. He was named Vice President, Finance of PowerTeam Services in May 2014. Previously he served as Vice President, Finance at a leading building materials supplier.

Matthew Thompson

Chief Operating Officer

Matthew Thompson serves as the Vice President of Operations for our current gas distribution businesses in Virginia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee. In 2020, he joined Southeast Connections as Director of Operations for North Carolina, managing all state operations.

In 2010, Matthew began his career in the Engineering Design department, focusing on Codes & Standards before managing the Transmission Construction & Integrity department for a major utility provider. Prior to joining SEC, he served as Operations Manager for one of the largest Oil & Gas Pipeline companies in the US. Matthew holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from Auburn University.

Keith Ormsby

Vice President, Commercial Operations

Keith serves as Vice President of Commercial Operations supporting Southeast Connections. Keith has spent 15 years in the Oil and Gas Industry. His roles have required flexibility and the understanding of operations, business development, developing and managing teams, and commercial operations. He has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University.

Jamie Everhart

Vice President, Human Resources

Jamie currently serves as the Vice President of Human Resources of Southeast Connections. Jamie has over 20 years of Human Resources experience with concentrations in benefits administration, compliance, safety and employee relations. Jamie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration while being SPHR certified. Prior to joining Southeast Connections, Jamie served as VP of Operations for a leading clothing manufacturer.

Billy Kidd

Vice President, Field Development and Training

Billy Kidd serves as Regional Vice President of Field Development and Training for the South Gas Division of Artera. With more than 23 years of experience in the utility construction industry, he began his career as a laborer and rose through the ranks working with both utility companies and utility contractors. His most recent role was as President of Northwest Lineman College (NLC) in Denton, TX, where he led operations, education, training, and the admission division of all four campuses. As a longtime champion of the skilled trades and natural gas industry, Billy led the development and opening of a first of its kind 7-week Natural Gas Program at the NLC Texas campus. Billy has completed several prestigious leadership programs including IBEW Gas Apprenticeship, which partnered with his past employer, and the Department of Labor, Professional Technical Educator Apprenticeship.

Chip Prosser

Vice President, Transmission Operations

Chip serves as Vice President of Transmission Operations. Prior to joining SEC, Chip worked for over 20 years in the large diameter pipeline construction industry. Starting out as a Laborer on the Right-of-way, he has served in all capacities of construction including bending engineer and superintendent.

In 2009, Chip transitioned into administration and leadership roles serving as contract administrator, Project Manager and most recently Construction Manager before joining SEC in 2019.

Chip studied mathematics at the University of Georgia.

Dustin Dier

Vice President, HSEQ

Dustin Dier serves as the Vice President of Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality (HSEQ) for Southeast Connections and parent company Artera. In this role, Dustin is responsible for setting and aligning the strategic HSEQ goals and objectives of our teams, assisting with the implementation of HSE initiatives, and monitoring program compliance. He brings a wealth of knowledge in HSE program development, Safety Management System implementation, and Risk Management. Over the past twenty years, Dustin has held various leadership roles at several Fortune 500 construction companies serving a wide range of industries. He holds a B.S. in Occupational Safety & Health from Columbia Southern University and his MBA from Louisiana State University, and is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP).

Renee Hand

Director, Project Management & Continuous Improvement

Renee Hand leads project management and continuous improvement for the South Gas Division of Artera, driving operational excellence and financial performance across infrastructure construction projects. She spearheaded the successful implementation of our digital transformation for a field management and bid tool. She also plays a key role in developing best practices in project tracking, supplier oversight, and cost management. Renee supports executive leadership with scheduling, budgeting, and program execution while ensuring compliance with contracts and client requirements. Known for her expertise, she is a trusted resource and leader who fosters a culture of excellence, accountability, teamwork, and collaboration within the organization.

Doug Simmons

General Manager, HDD

Doug Simmons Serves as General Manager, of Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD). Doug brings more than 30 years of HDD experience and has led the Southeast Connections HDD department for 20 years. Doug has extensive expertise working with projects of all sizes and is well known in the industry. Under his leadership, customers and peers have come to regard SEC HDD capabilities as some of the strongest in the industry.