GFT Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

GFT has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, information technology, legal compliance, human resources, and division-specific operations.

Committed to building resilient infrastructure, GFT delivers sustainable engineering and construction solutions that strengthen communities and improve quality of life through innovative, multidisciplinary project delivery.

Leadership Roles at GFT

  • Chief Executive Officer - Robert Scaer
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - William Stout
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Mike Orth
  • Chief Financial Officer - Shandi Stallman
  • Division President, Transportation - Joseph Willhite
  • President - Charles Beauduy
  • Division President, Power - James Juras
  • Senior VP, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer - Scott Nash
  • Chief Legal Officer - Audrey Daly
  • Chief People Officer - Heather Eickhoff
  • Robert Scaer - Chief Executive Officer

    Robert Scaer, the Chief Executive Officer at GFT, directs the overarching strategic vision for the firm. Overseeing the integration of architecture, engineering, and construction services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all infrastructure projects meet rigorous standards for resilience and sustainability. Robert Scaer drives growth across North American markets by fostering strong client partnerships and prioritizing innovative design solutions. This leadership role involves coordinating multidisciplinary teams to address complex challenges in transportation, water, and power sectors. By aligning corporate objectives with long-term community impact, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the firm's reputation for excellence. Scaer monitors operational performance to guarantee that every project supports sustainable development goals. Through consistent focus on quality and efficiency, the Chief Executive Officer secures the firm's position as a leader in the infrastructure industry, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for the communities served by these critical projects.
    Robert Scaer

    William Stout - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    William Stout, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at GFT, governs the board and directs high-level corporate strategy. As the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, William Stout shapes the long-term trajectory of the firm, ensuring that all engineering and construction initiatives align with the core mission of delivering resilient infrastructure. This role involves managing stakeholder relationships and overseeing the firm's governance framework to support sustainable growth. Stout provides guidance on major capital projects, ensuring that the firm remains at the forefront of industry innovation. By balancing fiscal responsibility with technical excellence, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer drives the organization toward achieving its strategic milestones. Stout monitors market trends to identify new opportunities for expansion within the transportation and power sectors. Through this leadership, the firm maintains a competitive edge, consistently delivering high-quality infrastructure solutions that strengthen communities and improve public safety across diverse geographic regions.
    William Stout

    Mike Orth - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Mike Orth, the President & Chief Executive Officer at GFT, manages daily operations and executes the firm's strategic business plan. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Mike Orth oversees the delivery of complex engineering projects, ensuring that all construction services meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency. This role involves leading cross-functional teams to optimize project workflows and enhance client satisfaction across the water and building sectors. Orth drives operational excellence by implementing innovative technologies that streamline design and construction processes. By fostering a culture of collaboration, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that all departments work in harmony to achieve corporate objectives. Orth monitors project performance metrics to maintain profitability and project quality. Through this leadership, the firm successfully navigates the complexities of modern infrastructure development, consistently delivering sustainable solutions that support long-term growth and improve the quality of life for communities throughout the operational footprint.
    Mike Orth

    Shandi Stallman - Chief Financial Officer

    Shandi Stallman, the Chief Financial Officer at GFT, directs all financial planning, reporting, and risk management activities. As the Chief Financial Officer, Shandi Stallman oversees the firm's capital allocation, ensuring that resources support the delivery of resilient infrastructure projects. This role involves managing financial health, monitoring project budgets, and providing strategic insights to the executive team to drive sustainable growth. Stallman coordinates with department heads to ensure fiscal discipline across all engineering and construction divisions. By analyzing market data and economic trends, the Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities to improve operational efficiency and maximize profitability. Stallman maintains strong relationships with investors and financial partners, securing the necessary capital to fund large-scale infrastructure developments. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the firm remains stable and capable of executing complex projects that strengthen communities and improve the quality of life for clients across the nation.

    Joseph Willhite - Division President, Transportation

    Joseph Willhite, the Division President, Transportation at GFT, directs the planning, design, and construction of large-scale transportation infrastructure. As the Division President, Transportation, Joseph Willhite oversees the delivery of projects involving highways, bridges, and transit systems. This role involves managing multidisciplinary teams to ensure that all transportation solutions are resilient, sustainable, and meet the needs of modern communities. Willhite drives operational efficiency by implementing innovative engineering practices that reduce project timelines and costs. By collaborating with public and private sector clients, the Division President, Transportation ensures that all initiatives align with regional development goals. Willhite monitors project performance to maintain high standards of quality and safety. Through this leadership, the Division President, Transportation supports the firm's mission to improve the quality of life by creating reliable transportation networks that facilitate economic growth and enhance connectivity across the regions served by the firm's infrastructure projects.

    Charles Beauduy - President

    Charles Beauduy, the President at GFT, directs the firm's internal operations and business development efforts. As the President, Charles Beauduy oversees the execution of corporate policies and ensures that all departments operate in alignment with the firm's strategic vision. This role involves managing client relationships and identifying new market opportunities to expand the firm's footprint in the engineering and construction sectors. Beauduy drives growth by fostering collaboration between different divisions, ensuring that multidisciplinary expertise is leveraged for every project. By monitoring operational metrics, the President identifies areas for improvement and implements solutions that enhance project delivery. Beauduy provides leadership to senior management, ensuring that all teams remain focused on delivering resilient infrastructure solutions. Through this role, the President supports the firm's commitment to sustainable growth and community improvement, ensuring that every project contributes to a higher quality of life for the clients and the public.
    Charles Beauduy

    James Juras - Division President, Power

    James Juras, the Division President, Power at GFT, directs the engineering and construction services for the power sector. As the Division President, Power, James Juras oversees the development of energy infrastructure, including generation, transmission, and distribution projects. This role involves managing technical teams to ensure that all power solutions are resilient, efficient, and compliant with environmental regulations. Juras drives innovation by integrating sustainable energy practices into the firm's project portfolio. By collaborating with utility providers and industrial clients, the Division President, Power ensures that all energy initiatives support reliable and clean power delivery. Juras monitors project performance to maintain high standards of safety and quality. Through this leadership, the Division President, Power supports the firm's mission to strengthen communities by providing the essential energy infrastructure required for sustainable growth and improved quality of life across the regions served by the firm's engineering and construction projects.

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

    Scott Nash, the Senior VP, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at GFT, directs the firm's digital transformation and technology infrastructure. As the Senior VP, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, Scott Nash oversees the implementation of advanced software solutions that support engineering design and construction project management. This role involves securing the firm's data assets, optimizing network performance, and ensuring that all digital tools align with the needs of the multidisciplinary teams. Nash drives innovation by integrating cloud-based platforms and data analytics to improve project delivery speed and accuracy. By collaborating with other executives, the Senior VP, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures that technology investments directly contribute to the firm's strategic goals. Nash manages the IT department to provide reliable support for all regional operations. Through this leadership, the firm maintains a robust technological foundation, enabling the delivery of high-quality infrastructure solutions that improve community outcomes.
    Scott Nash
    Audrey Daly, the Chief Legal Officer at GFT, directs all legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation strategies. As the Chief Legal Officer, Audrey Daly oversees contract negotiations, ensuring that all engineering and construction agreements protect the firm's interests while fostering positive client relationships. This role involves managing complex legal challenges related to infrastructure projects, including environmental regulations and safety standards. Daly provides guidance to the executive team on corporate governance and policy development to ensure ethical operations. By proactively addressing legal risks, the Chief Legal Officer supports the firm's ability to deliver projects on time and within budget. Daly coordinates with external counsel and regulatory bodies to maintain compliance across all jurisdictions. Through this leadership, the Chief Legal Officer safeguards the firm's reputation and operational integrity, enabling the successful execution of critical infrastructure projects that support sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for communities.
    Audrey Daly

    Heather Eickhoff - Chief People Officer

    Heather Eickhoff, the Chief People Officer at GFT, directs human resources strategy, talent acquisition, and organizational development. As the Chief People Officer, Heather Eickhoff oversees the recruitment and retention of top-tier engineering and construction talent, ensuring the firm maintains a highly skilled workforce. This role involves designing professional development programs that foster innovation and technical excellence across all departments. Eickhoff drives initiatives to promote a culture of inclusivity and safety, which are essential for delivering complex infrastructure projects. By aligning workforce capabilities with the firm's strategic objectives, the Chief People Officer ensures that teams are prepared to meet the evolving demands of the industry. Eickhoff manages performance management systems and employee engagement strategies to support long-term growth. Through this leadership, the Chief People Officer builds a resilient and motivated team, enabling the firm to consistently deliver high-quality infrastructure solutions that strengthen communities and improve the quality of life.
    Heather Eickhoff

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding GFT Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads GFT?
    GFT is led by Robert Scaer (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as William Stout (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer) and Mike Orth (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of GFT’s executive team?
    The executive team of GFT includes leaders such as Robert Scaer (Chief Executive Officer), William Stout (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Mike Orth (President & Chief Executive 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, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Division President, Transportation.