DOWL Executive and Leadership Team

Aushfaq Mahbub, the Chief Executive Officer at DOWL, directs the overarching strategic vision for the multi-disciplined consulting firm. By aligning corporate objectives with long-term growth, Mahbub ensures the organization maintains a competitive edge in civil engineering and geo-construction markets across the western United States. The Chief Executive Officer oversees high-level resource allocation and fosters a culture of internal ownership among senior managers. Through constant evaluation of market trends, the Chief Executive Officer identifies expansion opportunities in transportation and environmental sectors. Aushfaq Mahbub drives the firm toward operational excellence by integrating advanced engineering practices with client-focused service models. This leadership approach secures the company's reputation for delivering complex infrastructure projects. By coordinating with the board and executive leadership, the Chief Executive Officer sustains the firm's 50-year legacy of technical proficiency and regional market dominance while navigating the evolving demands of the modern construction landscape.

Jeff Bernardo, the Chief Operating Officer at DOWL, manages the daily execution of civil engineering projects across 25 regional offices. Overseeing the firm's operational infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that water resources and land development teams maintain peak efficiency. Bernardo coordinates cross-functional workflows to optimize project delivery timelines and budget adherence. By standardizing technical processes, the Chief Operating Officer supports the firm's commitment to high-quality engineering standards throughout the western U.S. market. Jeff Bernardo monitors resource distribution to ensure that regional offices possess the necessary expertise for complex geo-construction tasks. This role involves constant collaboration with project managers to mitigate risks and enhance service delivery. Through rigorous oversight of operational metrics, the Chief Operating Officer drives productivity and maintains the firm's reputation for reliability. Bernardo secures the company's operational stability by implementing scalable systems that support the diverse needs of public and private sector infrastructure clients.

Melvin Nichols, the President at DOWL, leads the firm's market expansion and client relationship initiatives. Focusing on the growth of the transportation and environmental divisions, the President identifies new business opportunities that align with the company's core engineering expertise. Nichols cultivates partnerships with key stakeholders to secure large-scale infrastructure contracts across the western United States. By representing the firm in industry forums, the President enhances the company's market presence and brand authority. Melvin Nichols collaborates with other executive leaders to translate strategic goals into actionable business development plans. This role involves overseeing the firm's regional outreach and ensuring that client expectations are met with technical precision. Through the active pursuit of innovative projects, the President drives revenue growth and strengthens the firm's position as a leader in civil engineering. Nichols ensures that the company's 50-year history of service continues to influence modern infrastructure development through proactive leadership and strategic market engagement.

Rachel Steer, the Chief Administrative Officer at DOWL, governs the internal business functions that support the firm's 450-plus employees. Managing human capital, corporate compliance, and administrative systems, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the organization operates with maximum internal cohesion. Steer architects policies that align with the firm's unique employee-owned structure, fostering professional development and retention across all regional offices. By streamlining administrative workflows, the Chief Administrative Officer enables technical teams to focus exclusively on civil engineering and transportation projects. Rachel Steer oversees the integration of corporate support services, ensuring that the firm's 25 offices remain connected and compliant with regional regulations. This leadership role involves managing organizational health and internal communication strategies to support the company's long-term mission. Through the optimization of administrative processes, the Chief Administrative Officer drives efficiency and supports the firm's ability to scale operations effectively within the competitive western U.S. consulting market.