DOWL Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to excellence, DOWL provides civil engineering and related services, fostering a culture of senior management ownership and delivering impactful solutions across the western U.S. region.

Leadership Roles at DOWL

  • Chief Executive Officer - Aushfaq Mahbub
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jeff Bernardo
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Jennifer Payne
  • Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer - Kendall Gee
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Rachel Steer
  • Aushfaq Mahbub - Chief Executive Officer

    Aushfaq Mahbub, the Chief Executive Officer at DOWL, directs the company's overarching strategy and vision. Mahbub guides the executive team in maintaining DOWL's position as a leading multi-disciplined consulting firm with over 50 years of experience. This leadership role involves ensuring the firm's continued growth and operational excellence across its diverse service areas, including Environmental and Land Development, Water/Water Resources, Transportation, Civil Engineering, and Geo-Construction. Mahbub's focus is on fostering the company's unique ownership structure, where senior managers drive internal decision-making and client engagement. By championing innovation and client-centric approaches, Aushfaq Mahbub ensures DOWL consistently delivers high-quality engineering and related services throughout its solid western U.S. regional presence, spanning 25 offices.

    Jeff Bernardo - Chief Operating Officer

    Jeff Bernardo, the Chief Operating Officer at DOWL, manages the day-to-day operational execution and efficiency across the firm's extensive network. Bernardo oversees the integration of services and resources to ensure seamless project delivery for clients seeking civil engineering and related expertise. This critical function involves optimizing workflows and resource allocation within DOWL's 450+ employees and 25 offices spread throughout the western U.S. Bernardo's leadership ensures that the firm's in-house expertise in Environmental and Land Development, Water/Water Resources, Transportation, Civil Engineering, and Geo-Construction is leveraged effectively. By driving operational excellence and fostering collaboration among teams, Jeff Bernardo supports the company's commitment to providing high-quality, reliable services and maintaining its strong regional presence.
    Jeff Bernardo

    Jennifer Payne - Chief Marketing Officer

    Jennifer Payne, the Chief Marketing Officer at DOWL, spearheads all brand initiatives and market positioning efforts. Payne develops and executes comprehensive marketing strategies designed to enhance DOWL's visibility and reputation as a premier provider of civil engineering and related services. This role involves overseeing market research, lead generation, and communication campaigns that highlight the firm's extensive expertise in Environmental and Land Development, Water/Water Resources, Transportation, Civil Engineering, and Geo-Construction. Payne's strategic direction ensures that DOWL's value proposition resonates with clients across its 25 offices in the western U.S. By cultivating strong client relationships and articulating the firm's 50-year legacy, Jennifer Payne drives market penetration and supports the company's sustained growth objectives.

    Kendall Gee - Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer

    Kendall Gee, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer at DOWL, holds dual responsibility for safeguarding the company's assets and driving revenue growth. Gee implements robust risk management frameworks to protect DOWL's interests while simultaneously developing and executing strategies to expand the firm's market share and client base. This dual focus ensures financial stability and commercial success across all service lines, including Environmental and Land Development, Water/Water Resources, Transportation, Civil Engineering, and Geo-Construction. Gee's oversight of revenue streams and risk mitigation is crucial for DOWL's sustained profitability and its 50-year legacy of providing expert consulting services. By balancing prudent risk assessment with aggressive revenue generation, Kendall Gee directly contributes to the company's long-term viability and expansion throughout its western U.S. footprint.

    Rachel Steer - Chief Administrative Officer

    Rachel Steer, the Chief Administrative Officer at DOWL, directs all internal administrative functions and corporate support services. Steer ensures the smooth operation of human resources, IT, legal, and general office management, providing essential infrastructure for DOWL's 450+ employees across 25 offices. This role is fundamental to maintaining the firm's operational capacity and supporting its multi-disciplined consulting services in civil engineering and related fields. Steer's focus on efficient administrative processes enables the senior management team to concentrate on strategic growth and client delivery within Environmental and Land Development, Water/Water Resources, Transportation, Civil Engineering, and Geo-Construction. By optimizing internal operations and fostering a productive work environment, Rachel Steer underpins DOWL's ability to deliver exceptional service and maintain its strong regional presence.

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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 Jeff Bernardo (Chief Operating Officer) and Jennifer Payne (Chief Marketing Officer).
    Who is part of DOWL’s executive team?
    The executive team of DOWL includes leaders such as Aushfaq Mahbub (Chief Executive Officer), Jeff Bernardo (Chief Operating Officer), Jennifer Payne (Chief Marketing 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, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer, Chief Administrative Officer.