The Georgia Tech School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) has named David McDonald as director of the National Electric Energy Testing, Research & Applications Center (NEETRAC), effective March 1. 

McDonald joins NEETRAC with nearly four decades of leadership experience in the power and cable industry, most recently serving in senior technical and operational roles at Southwire.  

His background spans technical management, quality systems, electrical testing, manufacturing operations, and large‑scale process improvement across multiple facilities. 

“David brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise and organizational leadership,” said Arijit Raychowdhury, Steve W. Chaddick School Chair of ECE. “His experience at the intersection of engineering, testing, and strategic operations makes him exceptionally well suited to lead NEETRAC into its next chapter. We are excited to welcome him to the team.” 

Throughout his career, McDonald has led major quality and manufacturing initiatives, overseen complex facility expansions, and guided high‑performance engineering and technical teams. His work has included managing ISO 9001 quality systems, supporting corporate‑wide technology integration, and serving as a key technical liaison for cable manufacturing and testing. 

“I am honored to be selected as the new director and thrilled to join NEETRAC during such a pivotal time for the energy industry,” McDonald said. “As our members navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving landscape, practical, industry-focused research has never been more essential. NEETRAC is uniquely positioned to provide the trusted expertise and innovative insights needed to help lead the industry into the future."

NEETRAC, a membership‑based research and testing center housed within the Georgia Tech School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, collaborates with utilities and manufacturers across the electric energy sector to solve applied engineering challenges. McDonald will oversee the center’s strategic direction, operations, partner engagement, and research portfolio. 

He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Auburn University and a master’s degree in engineering technology from the Southern College of Technology.