Schnabel Engineering Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Schnabel Engineering has 6 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, financial management, information technology, operational oversight, geotechnical services, and dam engineering.

Committed to excellence in infrastructure, Schnabel Engineering delivers specialized inspection, design, and construction services to clients across the United States while maintaining a focus on technical precision and long-term project safety.

Leadership Roles at Schnabel Engineering

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

    Walter Rabe, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Schnabel Engineering, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the firm. Rabe oversees the integration of inspection, design, and construction services to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality infrastructure solutions. By aligning departmental goals with market demands, the President & Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of technical excellence and operational efficiency. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine business objectives and expand the national footprint of the organization. Walter Rabe maintains a focus on sustainable growth, ensuring that the firm remains a leader in the construction and architecture sectors. Through rigorous oversight of executive performance and resource allocation, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives the company toward achieving complex engineering milestones while upholding the highest standards of safety and professional integrity across all regional operations.
    Walter Rabe

    Robert Gatelein - Chief Financial Officer

    Robert Gatelein, the Chief Financial Officer at Schnabel Engineering, manages the fiscal health and economic strategy of the organization. Gatelein oversees capital allocation, financial reporting, and risk management protocols to support the firm's diverse construction and design projects. By analyzing market trends and internal performance metrics, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains a robust balance sheet capable of funding large-scale infrastructure initiatives. This leadership role requires close collaboration with other executives to optimize project profitability and streamline operational costs. Robert Gatelein directs the financial planning processes that enable the firm to pursue strategic investments in new technologies and talent acquisition. Through disciplined fiscal oversight, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary resources to sustain long-term stability and competitive advantage within the architecture and engineering industry, ultimately supporting the broader mission of delivering reliable, high-quality construction services to clients nationwide.

    Chad Mayers - Principal & Chief Operating Officer

    Chad Mayers, the Principal & Chief Operating Officer at Schnabel Engineering, executes the daily operational strategies that drive project delivery and internal efficiency. Mayers oversees the coordination of multidisciplinary teams, ensuring that inspection, design, and construction workflows remain synchronized and effective. By optimizing internal processes, the Principal & Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards of quality control across all service lines. This leadership role involves managing resource distribution and personnel development to meet the rigorous demands of infrastructure projects. Chad Mayers directs the operational expansion of the firm, focusing on scaling internal capabilities to handle increasing project complexity. Through active management of project lifecycles, the Principal & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization meets client expectations while adhering to strict safety and regulatory requirements. Mayers drives continuous improvement initiatives that enhance the firm's ability to deliver reliable engineering solutions in a competitive market environment.
    Chad Mayers

    Preston Frey - President, Geotechnical Services

    Preston Frey, the President, Geotechnical Services at Schnabel Engineering, directs the specialized division focused on subsurface investigation and foundation design. Frey oversees the technical execution of geotechnical projects, ensuring that all site assessments and engineering recommendations meet the highest safety standards. By leading a team of experts, the President, Geotechnical Services drives innovation in soil mechanics and site analysis to support complex construction endeavors. This leadership role involves collaborating with other divisions to provide integrated solutions for infrastructure development. Preston Frey manages the growth of the geotechnical portfolio, identifying new market opportunities and expanding the firm's reach in regional and national sectors. Through the application of advanced engineering principles, the President, Geotechnical Services ensures that the firm provides accurate, reliable data that forms the foundation of successful construction projects. Frey maintains a focus on technical excellence, ensuring that all geotechnical services contribute to the long-term stability and success of client infrastructure.

    Michael Canino - President, Dam & Levee Engineering Services

    Michael Canino, the President, Dam & Levee Engineering Services at Schnabel Engineering, directs the specialized engineering efforts dedicated to water infrastructure safety and design. Canino oversees the assessment, design, and rehabilitation of dams and levees, ensuring that all projects comply with stringent regulatory and safety standards. By leading a team of specialized engineers, the President, Dam & Levee Engineering Services drives the development of robust solutions for water management and flood protection. This leadership role involves managing high-stakes projects that require precise technical expertise and long-term risk mitigation strategies. Michael Canino directs the expansion of the firm's water infrastructure capabilities, focusing on delivering reliable engineering services to public and private clients. Through the application of advanced hydraulic and structural analysis, the President, Dam & Levee Engineering Services ensures the integrity of critical infrastructure. Canino maintains a focus on project safety and technical precision, supporting the firm's reputation as a leader in dam and levee engineering.
    Michael Canino

    Scott Narron - Chief Information Officer

    Scott Narron, the Chief Information Officer at Schnabel Engineering, architects the digital infrastructure and technological framework necessary for modern engineering operations. Narron oversees the implementation of advanced data management systems, cybersecurity protocols, and collaborative software platforms that empower design and inspection teams. By modernizing the firm's technical capabilities, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless communication and data integrity across all project sites. This leadership role involves evaluating emerging technologies to enhance productivity and project accuracy. Scott Narron directs the IT department to support the complex computational needs of geotechnical and dam engineering projects. Through the strategic deployment of digital tools, the Chief Information Officer drives operational efficiency and protects the firm's intellectual property. Narron maintains a focus on scalable solutions that adapt to the evolving demands of the construction industry, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of technological innovation while delivering superior results to clients.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Architecture, Engineering & Design

    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 (Principal & 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 (Principal & 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, Principal & Chief Operating Officer, President, Geotechnical Services, President, Dam & Levee Engineering Services.