Schnabel Engineering Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to infrastructure excellence, 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
  • 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. Overseeing the integration of inspection, design, and construction services, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment across all regional business units. This leadership role involves managing high-level client relationships and driving growth within the national infrastructure market. By fostering a culture of technical excellence, Walter Rabe directly impacts the operational success of the organization. The President & Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the Board to secure financial stability and market expansion. Through consistent focus on engineering standards, the firm maintains a competitive edge in complex construction projects. Rabe prioritizes sustainable growth while upholding the core values of the company. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer guides the entire organization toward achieving ambitious performance benchmarks and delivering superior value to every client served.
    Walter Rabe

    Robert Gatelein - Chief Financial Officer

    Robert Gatelein, the Chief Financial Officer at Schnabel Engineering, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization. Overseeing capital allocation, budgeting, and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the firm maintains the resources necessary for sustained growth. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to inform investment decisions in new design and inspection technologies. By managing the financial risks associated with large-scale construction projects, Robert Gatelein directly impacts the long-term stability of the company. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with the executive team to align fiscal goals with the broader corporate mission. Gatelein monitors cash flow and profitability across all service lines to ensure optimal performance. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer supports the firm's ability to pursue complex engineering opportunities. Ultimately, Gatelein secures the financial foundation required for the company to continue delivering high-quality infrastructure solutions to clients nationwide.

    Chad Mayers - Chief Operating Officer

    Chad Mayers, the Chief Operating Officer at Schnabel Engineering, manages the daily execution of complex infrastructure projects and internal business processes. Overseeing the delivery of inspection and construction services, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that project teams meet rigorous quality standards. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation across various regional offices to maximize efficiency. By streamlining operational workflows, Chad Mayers directly impacts the firm's ability to handle large-scale engineering challenges. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with department heads to refine project management methodologies and improve service delivery timelines. Mayers monitors performance metrics to ensure that every project aligns with the company's commitment to safety and technical precision. Through proactive management of field operations, the Chief Operating Officer supports the firm's reputation for reliability. Ultimately, Mayers drives operational excellence by aligning internal capabilities with the evolving demands of the construction and architecture industry.

    Preston Frey - President, Geotechnical Services

    Preston Frey, the President, Geotechnical Services at Schnabel Engineering, directs the specialized geotechnical division and its technical output. Overseeing the investigation, analysis, and design of soil and foundation systems, the President, Geotechnical Services ensures that all projects meet stringent safety and engineering requirements. This leadership role involves managing a team of experts focused on complex subsurface challenges. By providing critical geotechnical insights for construction projects, Preston Frey directly impacts the structural integrity of infrastructure developments. The President, Geotechnical Services collaborates with other division leaders to integrate geotechnical findings into broader design and inspection services. Frey monitors industry advancements to ensure the firm remains at the forefront of geotechnical engineering practices. Through the application of advanced analytical methods, the President, Geotechnical Services supports the firm's reputation for technical excellence. Ultimately, Frey drives the growth of the geotechnical practice by delivering reliable solutions for challenging site conditions.

    Michael Canino - President, Dam & Levee Engineering Services

    Michael Canino, the President, Dam & Levee Engineering Services at Schnabel Engineering, directs the specialized division focused on water infrastructure safety and design. Overseeing the inspection, rehabilitation, and construction of dams and levees, the President, Dam & Levee Engineering Services ensures that critical water systems meet national safety standards. This leadership role involves managing complex engineering projects that protect communities and infrastructure. By providing expert guidance on dam safety, Michael Canino directly impacts the resilience of water management systems across the country. The President, Dam & Levee Engineering Services collaborates with regulatory bodies and clients to address the unique challenges of aging water infrastructure. Canino monitors technical developments to ensure the firm utilizes the most effective engineering solutions. Through the management of specialized engineering teams, the President, Dam & Levee Engineering Services supports the firm's commitment to public safety. Ultimately, Canino drives the success of the water infrastructure practice through technical expertise.
    Michael Canino

    Scott Narron - Chief Information Officer

    Scott Narron, the Chief Information Officer at Schnabel Engineering, architects the digital infrastructure and technology strategy for the firm. Overseeing the implementation of advanced design software and data management systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that engineering teams possess the tools required for precision work. This leadership role involves securing the firm's digital assets and optimizing internal communication networks. By integrating innovative technology into inspection and construction workflows, Scott Narron directly impacts the efficiency of project delivery. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other executives to align digital transformation initiatives with the company's strategic goals. Narron manages the IT department to support the firm's growing operational needs across various regions. Through the deployment of scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer enhances the firm's ability to handle complex data sets. Ultimately, Narron drives technological advancement to maintain the company's position as a leader in the engineering sector.

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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, Geotechnical Services, President, Dam & Levee Engineering Services.