DOWL Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

DOWL has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, administration, and engineering.

Driven by a commitment to client success, DOWL leverages over 50 years of multi-disciplined consulting expertise to deliver impactful civil engineering and related services across the western U.S., fostering a culture of senior management ownership and technical excellence.

Leadership Roles at DOWL

  • Chief Executive Officer - Aushfaq Mahbub
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Jeffrey Shoemaker
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jeff Bernardo
  • President - Melvin Nichols
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Rachel Steer
  • Aushfaq Mahbub - Chief Executive Officer

    Aushfaq Mahbub, the Chief Executive Officer at DOWL, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the multi-disciplined consulting firm. Mahbub guides the executive team in maintaining DOWL's 50-year legacy of providing essential civil engineering and related services. This leadership role involves fostering the company's unique ownership structure, where senior managers drive internal growth and client satisfaction. Overseeing all major strategic initiatives, Mahbub ensures alignment with the firm's core expertise in Environmental and Land Development, Water/Water Resources, Transportation, Civil Engineering, and Geo-Construction. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on expanding DOWL's solid western U.S. regional presence, which spans 25 offices across eight states. Aushfaq Mahbub's strategic direction solidifies DOWL's market position and commitment to delivering high-quality engineering solutions.

    Jeffrey Shoemaker - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Jeffrey Shoemaker, the President & Chief Executive Officer at DOWL, spearheads the company's strategic direction and operational execution. Shoemaker champions DOWL's core mission of delivering exceptional civil engineering and related services, building upon the firm's 50-year history. This executive position involves cultivating the company's internal ownership model, empowering senior managers to drive innovation and client engagement. The President & Chief Executive Officer oversees the integration of DOWL's in-house expertise across Environmental and Land Development, Water/Water Resources, Transportation, Civil Engineering, and Geo-Construction. Jeffrey Shoemaker's leadership ensures the continued expansion and strengthening of DOWL's presence across its 25 offices in the western U.S. This role is critical in maintaining the firm's reputation for technical excellence and client-focused solutions.

    Jeff Bernardo - Chief Operating Officer

    Jeff Bernardo, the Chief Operating Officer at DOWL, manages the day-to-day operational functions and ensures efficient service delivery across the company's extensive network. Bernardo oversees the execution of DOWL's civil engineering and related services, directly impacting the firm's 50-year commitment to quality. This role involves optimizing processes within the Environmental and Land Development, Water/Water Resources, Transportation, Civil Engineering, and Geo-Construction divisions. The Chief Operating Officer directs efforts to enhance productivity and resource allocation across DOWL's 25 offices throughout the western U.S. Jeff Bernardo's operational oversight is crucial for maintaining the company's solid regional presence and supporting the senior management ownership structure. This leadership ensures seamless project execution and client satisfaction.
    Jeff Bernardo

    Melvin Nichols - President

    Melvin Nichols, the President at DOWL, drives strategic initiatives and fosters client relationships, building upon the company's extensive experience. Nichols oversees key aspects of DOWL's service delivery, ensuring the firm's civil engineering and related services meet the highest standards. This leadership position is integral to maintaining the company's 50-year legacy and its unique senior manager ownership structure. The President focuses on enhancing DOWL's capabilities across Environmental and Land Development, Water/Water Resources, Transportation, Civil Engineering, and Geo-Construction. Melvin Nichols's influence extends across DOWL's solid western U.S. regional presence, impacting operations within its 25 offices. This role is essential for guiding the company's growth and upholding its commitment to technical excellence and client success.

    Rachel Steer - Chief Administrative Officer

    Rachel Steer, the Chief Administrative Officer at DOWL, directs all administrative functions critical to the company's smooth operation and employee support. Steer manages human resources, finance, and corporate governance, ensuring DOWL's 450+ employees operate within a supportive and efficient framework. This executive role is vital for maintaining the company's solid western U.S. regional presence across its 25 offices. The Chief Administrative Officer oversees policies and procedures that uphold DOWL's commitment to providing expert civil engineering and related services. Rachel Steer's leadership ensures that administrative operations align with the firm's strategic goals, supporting its long-standing reputation for excellence in Environmental and Land Development, Water/Water Resources, Transportation, Civil Engineering, and Geo-Construction. This position is key to sustaining the senior management ownership model.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding DOWL Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads DOWL?
    DOWL is led by Aushfaq Mahbub (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jeffrey Shoemaker (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Jeff Bernardo (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of DOWL’s executive team?
    The executive team of DOWL includes leaders such as Aushfaq Mahbub (Chief Executive Officer), Jeffrey Shoemaker (President & Chief Executive Officer), Jeff Bernardo (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does DOWL have?
    DOWL has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in DOWL’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of DOWL includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Chief Administrative Officer.