Champion Elevator Announces Executive Leadership Updates: Founder Don Gelestino Named Chairman of the Board, Dave Harper Appointed CEO, and Industry Veteran Alex McFarlane Joins as COO

New York, NY – September 5, 2025 – Champion Elevator, a leading independent elevator company, today announced an exciting transition in its executive leadership team designed to honor its entrepreneurial roots while strengthening its foundation for future growth and service excellence.

After ten years of leadership as Founder and Chief Executive O?icer, Donald Gelestino will assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors. Gelestino’s entrepreneurial drive and passion for excellence have shaped Champion from its early beginnings into an industry leader—servicing 6,000 elevators across the East Coast. His tenure has been defined not only by rapid growth but also innovation and deep community involvement.

A longtime leader in the elevator industry, Gelestino is a past President of the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC), recipient of the William C. Sturgeon Distinguished Service Award, and has guided Champion to multiple Ellie Awards.

“I am immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited to continue supporting the company’s long-term vision in my role as Chairman.” Said Gelestino, Champion’s Board of Directors has appointed Dave Harper as Chief Executive O?icer.

Harper has served as Champion’s Chief Financial O?icer since April 2024. Prior to joining Champion, he served as CEO of the J.R. Hobbs Company, an Atlanta-based mechanical contractor, and continues to serve on its Board of Directors. Over a distinguished 40-year career, Harper has held multiple CEO and CFO positions, bringing a proven record of strategic growth, financial leadership, and operational excellence. He holds a BS in Business from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

“I am honored to step into this role and continue Champion’s legacy of safety, service, and reliability,” said Dave Harper, CEO. “Don founded and built a great company with a strong team, and I am committed to leading Champion on to continued success and the next phase of growth.”

In addition, Alex McFarlane has joined Champion as Chief Operating O?icer. McFarlane, brings extensive industry experience from senior leadership roles at Otis, Schindler, and most recently TK Elevator, along with valuable perspectives from his work with JLL. Known for his collaborative, hands-on leadership style, McFarlane emphasizes safety, customer satisfaction, and sustainable, profitable growth.

“I am excited to join Champion during this pivotal moment in its journey,” said Alex McFarlane, COO. “Our teams are talented, our customers are loyal, and our opportunities are significant. Together, we will strengthen Champion’s operational excellence while delivering even greater value to our clients.”

These leadership appointments mark a new chapter in Champion Elevator’s history—one that honors its founding vision while positioning the company for continued growth and industry leadership.

The Champion executive team looks forward to engaging with fellow members at the NAEC 2025 Annual Convention in Houston, TX beginning on September 14th.

About Champion Elevator

Champion Elevator is a leading independent elevator service provider offering maintenance, modernization, repair, and code compliance solutions across the East
Coast. With a commitment to safety, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction, Champion partners with building owners and managers to deliver best-in-class elevator service while extending equipment life and maximizing uptime.

Media Contact
Dave Harper
Champion Elevator
212.292.4430 | d.harper@champion-elevator.com
www.champion-elevator.com