Executive Leadership

Jim Smith

Chairman of the Board

Jim Smith purchased CEC as a $3.3 million company in 1990. While serving as CEC president, he grew the business to $15 million. (It's now a $30 million business.) Jim still owns the company today, and his experience as a savvy business owner/investor who understands the importance of quality and integrity is reflected at CEC. 

Matt Dlouhy

CEO

Matt has been with CEC since 1983, and has held key roles in operations and management. Matt drives CEC’s focus on efficiency, continuous improvement, and quality customer service. Starting out as a technician 27 years ago, Matt was named CEC president in 2006; he was named CEO in 2012. He is leading CEC in its most profitable era to date. Matt is a member of the Iowa Quality Center, InfoComm, the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, and the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA). He also educates the systems/technology integration industry by serving as a speaker and instructor at national events, including NSCA, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Iowa Telecommunications User Group (ITUG), the Iowa Technology and Education Connection (ITEC), and the Electronic Security Association (ESA). 

Randy Montelius

Vice President of Engineering

Since joining CEC in 1982, Randy has held positions in service, sales, and engineering. He currently serves as CEC’s vice president of engineering, and is responsible for the direction of CEC’s technology solutions. He also manages design and consulting activities, and relationships with our solutions partners. Randy is a member of ASIS International, is a CPP (Certified Protection Professional), and serves on several technology advisory committees. He also has associate’s degrees in engineering technology and management development. 

Garrett Chumbley

Vice President of Sales

Garrett has been with CEC since 1998. Garrett is responsible for directing all CEC sales in Iowa and Wisconsin. He holds an associate’s degree in electronics/telecommunications from Indian Hills Community College. Garrett also has multiple certifications from Lenel, OSHA, and Bose. 

Alan Brockette

Director of Corporate Finance

Alan joined CEC in March 2008 as Director of Corporate Finance. As a CPA, he’s responsible for directing CEC’s accounting, purchasing, and financial reporting. With a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Dallas, he has more than 25 years of public accounting and industry experience. Alan is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants, ensuring CEC’s financial security and stability. 

Melissa Henderson

Director of Business Development

Prior to joining CEC, Melissa served the industry for five years at the national level as managing director of the NSCA Education Foundation. Melissa joined CEC in 2008, and now serves as the director of business development. She works with CEC to focus on continuous improvement initiatives, and is responsible for overall sales support functions. Melissa holds a bachelor's degree in international management and marketing from Simpson College. She's an IRPE Examiner (Iowa Recognition for Performance Excellence), a member of the Iowa Quality Center, a member of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, and a Leadership Iowa graduate. She also holds a CTSM designation.

Michael Bakey

Vice President of Operations

Mike joined CEC 13 years ago, and has held several positions within the company. Mike currently serves as CEC’s vice president of operations. He is responsible for CEC's overall operations, including service, installation, and project management. Mike has an associate’s degree in electronics from DeVry Institute of Technology, fortifying his management background. Mike holds several certifications from BICSI and Berk-Tek/Ortronics. 

Brian Wells

Director of IT Services

Brian joined CEC in late 2011 as the director of IT services. Since graduating from DeVry Institute of Technology in 1985, Brian has spent his career in the IT industry. In 1996, he founded Networking Services Inc. (NSI) and spent 10 years building a solid, successful IT practice. In 2006, Brian sold NSI and stayed on with Choice Solutions as the IT practice's general manager in Iowa for the next three years. Before coming to CEC, Brian held the position of IT director with Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC. In addition to his work at CEC, Brian also serves on the Board of Trustees for Big Brothers Big Sisters.