Schnabel Engineering Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Focused on delivering high-quality infrastructure solutions, Schnabel Engineering maintains a commitment to technical excellence and client-centered design. This organization drives innovation across the construction and architecture sectors through specialized engineering expertise.

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 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 stakeholder relationships and driving sustainable growth within the competitive infrastructure market. By fostering a culture of technical precision, Walter Rabe maintains the firm's reputation for excellence in complex engineering projects. The President & Chief Executive Officer also coordinates with the Board to evaluate market opportunities and resource allocation. Through rigorous oversight of corporate performance, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health and operational stability of the organization. This executive leadership ensures that every project meets the highest standards of safety and quality, reinforcing the firm's position as a leader in the engineering industry.
    Walter Rabe

    Robert Gatelein - Chief Financial Officer

    Robert Gatelein, the Chief Financial Officer at Schnabel Engineering, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the firm. Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains a strong balance sheet to support ongoing growth. This role involves analyzing market trends to inform investment decisions in new technologies and service capabilities. By providing accurate financial insights, Robert Gatelein enables the executive team to make informed decisions regarding expansion and resource distribution. The Chief Financial Officer also maintains compliance with regulatory standards and manages relationships with financial partners. Through the rigorous oversight of cash flow and project profitability, the Chief Financial Officer secures the long-term viability of the organization. This leadership function remains essential for sustaining the firm's competitive position in the construction and architecture industry, ensuring that financial resources align perfectly with the company's strategic mission.

    Chad Mayers - Chief Operating Officer

    Chad Mayers, the Chief Operating Officer at Schnabel Engineering, executes the daily operational strategies that drive project delivery and resource management. Overseeing the internal processes that support inspection, design, and construction services, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all departments function with maximum efficiency. This role involves optimizing workflows to meet strict project timelines and quality benchmarks across North American operations. By coordinating cross-functional teams, Chad Mayers maintains high standards of service delivery and operational excellence. The Chief Operating Officer also monitors performance metrics to identify areas for process improvement and cost reduction. Through the implementation of standardized operational procedures, the Chief Operating Officer supports the firm's ability to scale effectively while maintaining technical rigor. This leadership position remains vital for aligning day-to-day activities with the company's long-term strategic objectives, ensuring that every client receives consistent, high-quality engineering support throughout the project lifecycle.

    Michael Canino - President, Dam & Levee Engineering Services

    Michael Canino, the President, Dam & Levee Engineering Services at Schnabel Engineering, directs the specialized engineering teams focused on critical water infrastructure projects. Overseeing the design, inspection, and rehabilitation of dams and levees, the President, Dam & Levee Engineering Services ensures that all work adheres to stringent safety and environmental regulations. This role involves managing complex engineering challenges that protect communities and infrastructure across the country. By leading a team of technical experts, Michael Canino drives innovation in dam safety and water resource management. The President, Dam & Levee Engineering Services also collaborates with public and private sector clients to deliver resilient infrastructure solutions. Through the application of advanced geotechnical and structural analysis, the President, Dam & Levee Engineering Services mitigates risks associated with aging water systems. This leadership role directly impacts the firm's reputation for technical excellence in the highly specialized field of dam and levee engineering.
    Michael Canino

    Preston Frey - President, Geotechnical Services

    Preston Frey, the President, Geotechnical Services at Schnabel Engineering, architects the strategic direction for the firm's soil and foundation engineering division. Overseeing subsurface investigations and geotechnical design, the President, Geotechnical Services ensures that all construction projects rest on stable and reliable foundations. This role involves managing a team of engineers who provide critical data for infrastructure development and site assessment. By integrating advanced testing methods and analytical tools, Preston Frey enhances the accuracy and safety of geotechnical recommendations. The President, Geotechnical Services also coordinates with other service lines to provide comprehensive engineering solutions for complex site conditions. Through the leadership of this division, the President, Geotechnical Services supports the firm's commitment to technical precision and project success. This executive role remains vital for maintaining the company's market position as a trusted partner for challenging geotechnical projects, ensuring that every foundation design meets the highest industry standards.

    Scott Narron - Chief Information Officer

    Scott Narron, the Chief Information Officer at Schnabel Engineering, architects the digital infrastructure and data security frameworks necessary for modern engineering operations. Managing the firm's technological assets, the Chief Information Officer implements advanced software solutions that streamline design and inspection workflows. This role involves protecting sensitive client data while enabling seamless collaboration across geographically dispersed teams. By modernizing internal systems, Scott Narron enhances the efficiency of project delivery and data management. The Chief Information Officer also evaluates emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the construction and architecture sectors. Through the deployment of robust cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer mitigates operational risks and ensures continuous uptime for critical engineering platforms. This leadership function supports the broader organizational goal of leveraging data-driven insights to improve project outcomes and client satisfaction, ultimately driving digital transformation throughout the entire enterprise.

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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.