Schnabel Engineering Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Schnabel Engineering has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, finance, operations, dam and levee engineering, and geotechnical services.

Driven by a commitment to client success, Schnabel Engineering delivers comprehensive inspection, design, and construction services, shaping the built environment through expert engineering solutions and a philosophy of direct, impactful leadership.

Leadership Roles at Schnabel Engineering

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Walter Rabe
  • Chief Financial Officer - Robert Gatelein
  • Chief Operating Officer - Chad Mayers
  • President, Dam & Levee Engineering Services - Michael Canino
  • President, Geotechnical Services - Preston Frey
  • Chief Information Officer - Scott Narron
  • Walter Rabe - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Walter Rabe, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Schnabel Engineering, directs the company's overarching strategy and operational execution. Rabe guides the firm's expansion and market positioning, ensuring alignment with its core mission of providing inspection, design, and construction services. This leadership role involves fostering innovation across all departments and maintaining the high standards Schnabel Engineering is known for. Walter Rabe drives the company's vision forward, focusing on sustainable growth and client satisfaction. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include cultivating key client relationships and overseeing major strategic initiatives that enhance the firm's competitive edge in the construction and engineering sectors. Rabe's strategic direction ensures the company's continued success and its ability to tackle complex projects across the United States.
    Walter Rabe

    Robert Gatelein - Chief Financial Officer

    Robert Gatelein, the Chief Financial Officer at Schnabel Engineering, directs all financial planning, management, and reporting activities for the organization. Gatelein oversees budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation, ensuring the financial health and stability of the company's diverse service offerings. This executive position involves managing financial risks and optimizing resource utilization across inspection, design, and construction operations. Robert Gatelein drives financial strategies that support long-term profitability and sustainable growth. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include maintaining strong relationships with financial institutions and ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations. Gatelein's fiscal oversight is paramount to Schnabel Engineering's continued success and its ability to invest in future development.

    Chad Mayers - Chief Operating Officer

    Chad Mayers, the Chief Operating Officer at Schnabel Engineering, oversees the day-to-day operational functions and ensures the efficient delivery of inspection, design, and construction services. Mayers manages project execution, resource allocation, and operational performance metrics across all company divisions. This leadership role involves optimizing workflows and implementing best practices to enhance productivity and client satisfaction. Chad Mayers drives operational excellence, ensuring seamless integration between different service lines and maintaining high-quality project outcomes. The Chief Operating Officer's focus includes streamlining processes, managing supply chains, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Mayers' operational leadership is key to Schnabel Engineering's ability to meet project demands effectively.

    Michael Canino - President, Dam & Levee Engineering Services

    Michael Canino, the President, Dam & Levee Engineering Services at Schnabel Engineering, leads the specialized division focused on the design, inspection, and rehabilitation of dams and levees. Canino directs strategic initiatives and client engagement within this critical infrastructure sector, ensuring the highest standards of safety and engineering integrity. This executive role involves managing complex projects and fostering technical expertise within the dam and levee engineering teams. Michael Canino drives innovation in geotechnical and structural solutions for water management systems. The President's responsibilities include expanding the division's market reach and ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory requirements. Canino's leadership ensures Schnabel Engineering's continued prominence in dam and levee engineering.
    Michael Canino

    Preston Frey - President, Geotechnical Services

    Preston Frey, the President, Geotechnical Services at Schnabel Engineering, spearheads the company's comprehensive geotechnical investigations, design, and consulting operations. Frey directs the strategic growth and operational excellence of the geotechnical division, serving diverse clients across the construction and infrastructure sectors. This leadership position involves overseeing complex site analyses, foundation designs, and earth retention systems. Preston Frey drives the application of advanced geotechnical engineering principles to solve challenging subsurface problems. The President's responsibilities include managing project teams, ensuring quality control, and developing innovative solutions for clients. Frey's expertise is crucial to Schnabel Engineering's reputation for delivering reliable geotechnical services.

    Scott Narron - Chief Information Officer

    Scott Narron, the Chief Information Officer at Schnabel Engineering, architects and manages the company's technology infrastructure and digital transformation efforts. Narron oversees the implementation of advanced IT solutions that support the firm's inspection, design, and construction services, ensuring data integrity and operational efficiency. This critical role involves safeguarding sensitive company information and enhancing cybersecurity protocols. Scott Narron drives technological innovation, enabling seamless collaboration among teams and improving project delivery timelines. The Chief Information Officer's focus extends to leveraging data analytics for strategic decision-making and optimizing workflows across all business units. Narron's leadership ensures Schnabel Engineering remains at the forefront of technological adoption within the industry.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Schnabel Engineering Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Schnabel Engineering?
    Schnabel Engineering is led by Walter Rabe (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Robert Gatelein (Chief Financial Officer) and Chad Mayers (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Schnabel Engineering’s executive team?
    The executive team of Schnabel Engineering includes leaders such as Walter Rabe (President & Chief Executive Officer), Robert Gatelein (Chief Financial Officer), Chad Mayers (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Schnabel Engineering have?
    Schnabel Engineering has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Schnabel Engineering’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Schnabel Engineering includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Dam & Levee Engineering Services, President, Geotechnical Services.