GFT Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

GFT has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, legal, people, operations, and business development.

Driven by a commitment to resilient infrastructure, GFT delivers creative engineering and construction services that strengthen communities, support sustainable growth, and improve quality of life through innovative projects and strong client partnerships.

Leadership Roles at GFT

  • Chief Executive Officer - Sajid Qureshi
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - William Stout
  • Chief Financial Officer - James Nevada
  • President - Richard Markwith
  • President of Gannett Fleming Valuation and Rate Consultants, LLC - Paul Herbert
  • Founder & President - Sepideh Saidi
  • President, Corporate Development - Paul Malir
  • Senior VP, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer - Scott Nash
  • Chief Legal Officer - Audrey Daly
  • Chief People Officer - Heather Eickhoff
  • Sajid Qureshi - Chief Executive Officer

    Sajid Qureshi, the Chief Executive Officer at GFT, directs the companys overall strategic vision and operational execution. Qureshi guides the firm in delivering resilient infrastructure solutions across transportation, water, power, and buildings. This leadership involves fostering strong client partnerships and ensuring the successful planning, design, and delivery of creative engineering and construction services. The Chief Executive Officer focuses on strengthening communities and supporting sustainable growth through innovative projects. Qureshi's oversight ensures that GFT's multidisciplinary experts consistently improve quality of life. The Chief Executive Officer drives the company's market position by championing a culture of excellence and client-centricity. Sajid Qureshi ensures alignment with GFT's mission to build a better future.

    William Stout - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    William Stout, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at GFT, provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for the firm. Stout guides GFT in its mission to deliver resilient infrastructure solutions, encompassing transportation, water, power, and buildings. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer champions the companys commitment to planning, designing, and delivering creative engineering and construction services that strengthen communities. Stout ensures that GFT's multidisciplinary experts foster sustainable growth and enhance quality of life through innovative projects. This executive role involves cultivating strong client partnerships and upholding the highest standards of project execution. William Stout's leadership ensures GFT remains at the forefront of the industry, driving impactful development across its service sectors. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer's vision shapes the firm's long-term trajectory and market influence.
    William Stout

    James Nevada - Chief Financial Officer

    James Nevada, the Chief Financial Officer at GFT, manages the companys financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Nevada oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation, ensuring GFT's ability to deliver complex infrastructure projects. The Chief Financial Officer plays a critical role in supporting sustainable growth by optimizing financial strategies for transportation, water, power, and building sectors. Nevada ensures robust financial controls and drives profitability through efficient management of capital. This executive collaborates with other leaders to secure funding and manage investments for innovative projects. James Nevada's expertise is vital for maintaining strong client partnerships and ensuring the long-term viability of GFT's operations. The Chief Financial Officer's guidance supports the firm's commitment to improving quality of life through resilient infrastructure.

    Richard Markwith - President

    Richard Markwith, the President at GFT, drives operational excellence and strategic growth across key business units. Markwith oversees the execution of GFT's core services, focusing on delivering resilient infrastructure solutions in transportation, water, power, and buildings. The President ensures that multidisciplinary experts plan, design, and deliver creative engineering and construction services effectively. Markwith fosters strong client partnerships and champions innovation to strengthen communities and support sustainable growth. This leadership position is integral to improving quality of life through impactful projects. Richard Markwith's strategic oversight ensures GFT's continued success and market leadership in the infrastructure sector. The President collaborates closely with executive leadership to achieve corporate objectives and enhance GFT's reputation.
    Richard Markwith

    Paul Herbert - President of Gannett Fleming Valuation and Rate Consultants, LLC

    Paul Herbert, the President of Gannett Fleming Valuation and Rate Consultants, LLC at GFT, leads specialized consulting services focused on valuation and rate analysis. Herbert directs the strategic development and delivery of expert financial and regulatory consulting for clients in the power and utilities sectors, among others. The President of Gannett Fleming Valuation and Rate Consultants, LLC ensures that GFT provides accurate, data-driven insights to support infrastructure investments and operational planning. Herbert fosters a team of specialists dedicated to providing high-quality analysis that strengthens client partnerships and supports sustainable growth. This leadership role is crucial for enhancing the value and reliability of infrastructure assets. Paul Herbert's expertise contributes to GFT's broader mission of improving quality of life through well-planned and financially sound projects. The President of Gannett Fleming Valuation and Rate Consultants, LLC drives innovation in consulting methodologies.

    Sepideh Saidi - Founder & President

    Sepideh Saidi, the Founder & President at GFT, established the firm with a vision for delivering innovative infrastructure solutions. Saidi guides the company's strategic direction and fosters a culture of creativity and client focus across all operations. The Founder & President oversees the planning, design, and delivery of engineering and construction services, emphasizing resilience and sustainability in transportation, water, power, and buildings. Saidi cultivates strong partnerships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring GFT's projects strengthen communities and improve quality of life. This leadership role is pivotal in driving GFT's commitment to sustainable growth and technological advancement. Sepideh Saidi's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to excellence continue to shape GFT's impact in the industry. The Founder & President champions forward-thinking approaches to infrastructure development.

    Paul Malir - President, Corporate Development

    Paul Malir, the President, Corporate Development at GFT, spearheads strategic initiatives for business expansion and market penetration. Malir identifies and pursues new opportunities to enhance GFT's portfolio of resilient infrastructure solutions across transportation, water, power, and buildings. The President, Corporate Development focuses on forging strategic alliances and partnerships that drive sustainable growth and extend GFT's reach. Malir oversees mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures that align with the companys long-term vision. This executive role is critical for strengthening GFT's market position and ensuring the successful delivery of innovative projects. Paul Malir's expertise in corporate strategy is instrumental in expanding GFT's capacity to improve quality of life through impactful infrastructure development. The President, Corporate Development drives value creation and enhances shareholder returns.
    Paul Malir

    Scott Nash - Senior VP, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer

    Scott Nash, the Senior VP, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at GFT, directs the companys technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives. Nash oversees the implementation and management of IT infrastructure, ensuring robust support for GFT's engineering and construction services across transportation, water, power, and buildings. The Senior VP, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer champions innovation in technology to enhance project delivery and client collaboration. Nash ensures that GFT leverages cutting-edge solutions to plan, design, and deliver creative infrastructure projects. This leadership role is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and supporting sustainable growth. Scott Nash's expertise drives the integration of technology to strengthen communities and improve the quality of life through resilient infrastructure. The Chief Information Officer ensures data security and optimizes digital workflows for all GFT operations.
    Scott Nash
    Audrey Daly, the Chief Legal Officer at GFT, provides comprehensive legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the firm. Daly ensures GFT operates in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations across its diverse infrastructure projects in transportation, water, power, and buildings. The Chief Legal Officer manages risk, drafts and reviews contracts, and advises on corporate governance matters. Daly's expertise is essential for fostering strong client partnerships and navigating the complexities of engineering and construction services. This executive role supports sustainable growth by mitigating legal challenges and protecting the company's interests. Audrey Daly's strategic legal guidance is critical for the successful planning and delivery of innovative projects that strengthen communities. The Chief Legal Officer ensures ethical practices and upholds the integrity of GFT's operations.
    Audrey Daly

    Heather Eickhoff - Chief People Officer

    Heather Eickhoff, the Chief People Officer at GFT, leads human resources strategy and talent management initiatives. Eickhoff oversees recruitment, employee development, and organizational culture to support GFT's mission of delivering resilient infrastructure solutions. The Chief People Officer focuses on attracting and retaining top multidisciplinary experts in architecture, engineering, and construction. Eickhoff ensures a supportive and engaging work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration across transportation, water, power, and buildings sectors. This role is vital for strengthening communities by building a high-performing team dedicated to client partnerships. Heather Eickhoff's leadership drives employee engagement and professional growth, contributing to sustainable development and improved quality of life through GFT's projects. The Chief People Officer champions diversity and inclusion within the workforce.
    Heather Eickhoff

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding GFT Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads GFT?
    GFT is led by Sajid Qureshi (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as William Stout (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer) and James Nevada (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of GFT’s executive team?
    The executive team of GFT includes leaders such as Sajid Qureshi (Chief Executive Officer), William Stout (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), James Nevada (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does GFT have?
    GFT has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in GFT’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of GFT includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, President of Gannett Fleming Valuation and Rate Consultants, LLC.