S&ME Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

S&ME has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, financial management, human resources, and board governance.

Focused on delivering technical excellence in infrastructure development, S&ME drives sustainable growth through innovative engineering solutions and comprehensive environmental management services across diverse regional markets.

Leadership Roles at S&ME

  • Chief Executive Officer - Poochie Loc
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - John Sullivan
  • Chief Financial Officer - Andrew Emmert
  • Chief Financial Officer & Controller - Joel Sofranko
  • Chief Operating Officer - Arnaldo Alves
  • Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer - Paul Scheidig
  • President & Chair, Board of Directors - Stewart Laney
  • President - Zahra Sadeghi
  • President of the Council - Hebert Cabral
  • Chief People Officer - Dan Houston
  • Poochie Loc - Chief Executive Officer

    Poochie Loc, the Chief Executive Officer at S&ME, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the engineering firm. Loc manages the alignment of geotechnical, environmental, and civil engineering divisions to ensure consistent technical excellence across all 30+ offices. By prioritizing sustainable development, the Chief Executive Officer fosters strong relationships with stakeholders and community partners throughout the United States. Loc oversees the integration of advanced scientific analysis into construction projects, ensuring that the firm maintains a competitive edge in infrastructure development. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends to identify new opportunities for expansion and service diversification. Through rigorous oversight of operational standards, Poochie Loc guarantees that every project meets the highest quality benchmarks. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the firm's reputation as a leader in technical consulting and construction-related engineering services.

    John Sullivan - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    John Sullivan, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at S&ME, architects the foundational principles and strategic direction of the organization. Sullivan drives the firm's commitment to technical excellence by overseeing the development of specialized engineering solutions for complex infrastructure projects. As the Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Sullivan maintains a focus on long-term stability and the cultivation of a culture centered on innovation and professional integrity. The role involves guiding the executive team through evolving market landscapes while ensuring that the company's core mission remains central to all operations. John Sullivan monitors the performance of various engineering departments to ensure that technical consulting services consistently exceed client expectations. By fostering a collaborative environment, Sullivan enables the firm to tackle challenging environmental and civil engineering tasks with precision. This leadership position requires constant engagement with industry standards to maintain the firm's status as a premier provider of construction engineering services.

    Andrew Emmert - Chief Financial Officer

    Andrew Emmert, the Chief Financial Officer at S&ME, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the engineering firm. Emmert oversees all financial reporting, budgeting, and investment planning to support the company's long-term growth objectives in the construction and architecture sectors. As the Chief Financial Officer, Emmert ensures that the firm maintains a robust balance sheet while funding critical infrastructure projects and technical service expansions. The role involves analyzing market risks and financial performance across all regional offices to provide actionable insights to the executive leadership team. Andrew Emmert directs the implementation of financial controls that safeguard the firm's assets and ensure compliance with industry regulations. By optimizing capital structure, Emmert enables the organization to invest in innovative engineering technologies and talent acquisition. This leadership position remains vital for maintaining the financial stability required to deliver high-quality consulting services and support sustainable development initiatives.

    Joel Sofranko - Chief Financial Officer & Controller

    Joel Sofranko, the Chief Financial Officer & Controller at S&ME, directs the accounting operations and internal financial auditing processes. Sofranko ensures the accuracy of financial statements and the integrity of the firm's fiscal data across all 30+ offices. As the Chief Financial Officer & Controller, Sofranko manages the day-to-day cash flow and tax planning strategies that support the company's engineering and consulting activities. The role involves implementing robust internal controls to mitigate financial risk and ensure transparency in all business transactions. Joel Sofranko monitors project-level profitability to provide the executive team with precise data for strategic decision-making. By overseeing the accounting department, Sofranko maintains the financial discipline necessary for the firm to pursue sustainable development projects. This leadership function supports the organization's growth by providing the fiscal foundation required for technical excellence and long-term investment in infrastructure engineering solutions.

    Arnaldo Alves - Chief Operating Officer

    Arnaldo Alves, the Chief Operating Officer at S&ME, directs the daily operational workflows and internal processes across the firm's extensive network of offices. Alves focuses on optimizing the delivery of geotechnical and civil engineering services to ensure maximum efficiency and project profitability. As the Chief Operating Officer, Alves manages the allocation of technical resources and personnel to support large-scale infrastructure initiatives. The role involves streamlining communication between regional offices to maintain consistent service quality throughout the company's 10-state footprint. Arnaldo Alves implements rigorous project management frameworks that allow the firm to execute complex construction engineering tasks with high precision. By monitoring operational metrics, Alves identifies areas for process improvement and technological integration. This leadership function supports the firm's growth by ensuring that operational capacity aligns with the increasing demand for sustainable development and environmental management solutions across the organization's diverse client base.

    Paul Scheidig - Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer

    Paul Scheidig, the Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer at S&ME, architects the strategic execution of large-scale construction engineering projects. Scheidig focuses on the logistical coordination of technical teams to ensure that environmental and civil engineering services meet rigorous safety and quality standards. As the Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer, Scheidig manages the integration of specialized engineering design into the firm's broader service portfolio. The role involves overseeing the operational performance of regional teams to ensure that project timelines and budget constraints are met consistently. Paul Scheidig drives the adoption of innovative construction methodologies that enhance the firm's ability to support complex infrastructure development. By coordinating with other C-suite leaders, Scheidig ensures that operational strategies align with the company's overall mission of fostering community prosperity. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of technical consulting and the ability to scale operations effectively across diverse geographic markets.

    Stewart Laney - President & Chair, Board of Directors

    Stewart Laney, the President & Chair, Board of Directors at S&ME, governs the strategic oversight and corporate governance framework of the firm. Laney leads the Board of Directors in setting the long-term vision and ensuring that the company's engineering and consulting activities align with shareholder interests. As the President & Chair, Board of Directors, Laney facilitates high-level decision-making regarding mergers, acquisitions, and major market expansions. The role involves maintaining strong communication between the Board and the executive team to ensure operational accountability and strategic focus. Stewart Laney monitors the firm's performance in the construction and architecture sectors to ensure that the organization remains a leader in technical excellence. By providing guidance on corporate policy and risk management, Laney secures the firm's reputation for integrity and quality. This leadership position is critical for navigating the complexities of the engineering industry and ensuring the company's continued success in infrastructure development.

    Zahra Sadeghi - President

    Zahra Sadeghi, the President at S&ME, directs the tactical execution of the firm's business development and service delivery strategies. Sadeghi focuses on expanding the company's footprint in the civil and environmental engineering markets by identifying new opportunities for technical consulting. As the President, Sadeghi manages the performance of key service lines to ensure that the firm delivers consistent value to clients across all regions. The role involves coordinating with department heads to align engineering design capabilities with the evolving needs of infrastructure projects. Zahra Sadeghi drives the implementation of client-focused initiatives that enhance the firm's market position and reputation for technical excellence. By overseeing the execution of strategic plans, Sadeghi ensures that the organization meets its growth targets while maintaining high standards of quality. This leadership function supports the firm's mission by fostering innovation and ensuring that technical expertise is effectively applied to complex construction challenges.

    Hebert Cabral - President of the Council

    Hebert Cabral, the President of the Council at S&ME, directs the advisory and consultative functions that guide the firm's specialized engineering practices. Cabral focuses on the integration of scientific analysis and technical consulting to support sustainable development projects across the company's 10-state operational area. As the President of the Council, Cabral manages the collaborative efforts between technical experts to ensure that the firm remains at the forefront of construction engineering innovation. The role involves providing strategic advice to the executive team on complex environmental and geotechnical challenges. Hebert Cabral oversees the development of internal standards that ensure technical excellence in all engineering design and consulting services. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing, Cabral enables the firm to tackle the most demanding infrastructure projects. This leadership position is vital for maintaining the firm's technical authority and ensuring that all engineering solutions contribute to community prosperity.

    Dan Houston - Chief People Officer

    Dan Houston, the Chief People Officer at S&ME, directs the human capital strategy and talent development initiatives for the engineering firm. Houston focuses on recruiting and retaining top-tier engineering talent to support the company's diverse service capabilities in geotechnical and environmental fields. As the Chief People Officer, Houston manages organizational culture, employee engagement, and professional development programs that foster technical excellence. The role involves aligning workforce capabilities with the firm's strategic goals for infrastructure development and construction consulting. Dan Houston implements performance management systems that reward innovation and technical proficiency across all regional offices. By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, Houston ensures that the firm attracts a wide range of perspectives to solve complex engineering challenges. This leadership position remains essential for maintaining the high-quality workforce required to deliver expert consulting services and support the firm's commitment to helping communities prosper through innovative engineering solutions.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding S&ME Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads S&ME?
    S&ME is led by Poochie Loc (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as John Sullivan (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Andrew Emmert (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of S&ME’s executive team?
    The executive team of S&ME includes leaders such as Poochie Loc (Chief Executive Officer), John Sullivan (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Andrew Emmert (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does S&ME have?
    S&ME has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in S&ME’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of S&ME includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Controller, Chief Operating Officer.