FRANKLIN—Highground Services is pleased to announce several changes to their engineering organization, effective immediately. Chris Bailey, P.E., will be joining Highground Services as Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Bailey will be responsible for all aspects of the operations side of the business. This role was formerly held by Jimmy Strozier, who will now be focusing his efforts on the CEO position while Lisa Strozier, president, will continue to focus on the business services for the company.

Bailey most recently was the owner of Design Engineering Services located in Newport News. Joining Bailey in the collaboration with Highground Services are the seven other employees formerly of Design Engineering Services (DES). The addition of these new employees bring a wealth of experience and knowledge in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Fire Protection, Maintenance Engineering, Construction Management and Controls.

Design Engineering Services has worked closely with the existing Highground Services employees in various projects over the years and the combination of these two outstanding companies produces a company with unparalleled depth and expertise, with the ability to handle projects from concept to completion. In addition to the engineering business, Highground Services specializes in process control in industrial markets, is also a licensed contractor in Virginia and North Carolina, and has developed a track record of exceptional service with our customers. The additions to our staff will greatly enhance our ability to meet and exceed our customer’s expectations.

In addition to the exciting staff changes noted above, Highground Services has established an Electrician Apprenticeship program, with four apprentices currently enrolled in the program. This program provides a very structured pathway for apprentices to progress to a licensed electrician with a mix of hands on experience while on the job and textbook training over a four-year period. Highgrounds is proud to note that of the four apprentices three are from the local Franklin/Southampton school systems.

CEO Jim Strozier said, “This new collaboration with Design Engineering Services only strengthens our organization and will allow us to continue to grow our footprint in the Franklin Southampton Community. We look forward to being longstanding corporate citizens of the region.”

Franklin City Manager Randy Martin added, “It is companies like Highground Services that are the driver of our local economy. It has been a pleasure watching them grow successfully in the Franklin Business Incubator and we continue to partner with them to ensure that they remain an anchor business in the City of Franklin.”