WGI Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

WGI has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, operations, legal affairs, and corporate management.

Focused on delivering excellence in public infrastructure and real estate development, WGI maintains a commitment to innovative design and professional services that shape the built environment across the nation.

Leadership Roles at WGI

  • Chief Executive Officer - David Wantman
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer - Shad Shafie
  • President - Gregory Sauter
  • Vice President, Chief Information Officer - Ira Wolf
  • Chief Legal Officer - Leora Freire
  • David Wantman - Chief Executive Officer

    David Wantman, the Chief Executive Officer at WGI, directs the overarching strategic vision for the firm. By prioritizing sustainable growth in public infrastructure and real estate development, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between long-term corporate goals and daily project execution. Wantman oversees the expansion of professional services across diverse national markets, fostering a culture of technical excellence. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine service offerings and maintain competitive positioning within the construction industry. Through rigorous oversight of firm-wide performance metrics, the Chief Executive Officer drives operational efficiency and client satisfaction. David Wantman maintains a focus on scaling the organization to meet the evolving demands of modern urban development. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health and market reputation of the firm through disciplined management and forward-thinking leadership initiatives.

    Shad Shafie - Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

    Shad Shafie, the Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer at WGI, executes the daily operational strategies required for large-scale public infrastructure and real estate development projects. Overseeing internal processes and resource allocation, the Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer ensures that project teams maintain high standards of quality and safety. Shafie manages the coordination between various departments to streamline service delivery across the firm's national footprint. This leadership role involves optimizing operational workflows to maximize efficiency and project profitability. Shad Shafie drives the implementation of best practices in construction management, ensuring that every project meets rigorous industry benchmarks. By monitoring operational performance, the Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer supports the firm's growth objectives and client commitments. Ultimately, Shafie maintains the operational excellence necessary to sustain the firm's reputation as a leader in professional services and infrastructure development.
    Shad Shafie

    Gregory Sauter - President

    Gregory Sauter, the President at WGI, leads the execution of corporate initiatives and manages the firm's professional services delivery. By overseeing the alignment of business units with the company's mission in public infrastructure and real estate development, the President ensures consistent performance across all regions. Sauter coordinates with the executive team to drive market expansion and enhance service capabilities. This leadership role involves fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders and clients to secure long-term project pipelines. Gregory Sauter drives the development of internal talent and promotes a culture of innovation within the firm's design and engineering teams. By focusing on operational excellence and strategic growth, the President supports the firm's competitive standing in the construction industry. Ultimately, Sauter secures the firm's future by balancing immediate project demands with the long-term vision for national infrastructure and real estate development success.

    Ira Wolf - Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    Ira Wolf, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer at WGI, architects the digital infrastructure supporting national design and professional services. By implementing advanced data management systems, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer ensures secure and efficient information flow across all regional operations. Wolf manages the integration of cutting-edge technology into the firm's construction and real estate development workflows. This leadership role requires constant coordination with other C-suite members to optimize digital tools for project delivery. Ira Wolf drives the adoption of innovative software solutions that enhance design precision and operational productivity. By modernizing the technological landscape, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer supports the firm's ability to handle complex infrastructure projects with speed and accuracy. Ultimately, Wolf secures the integrity of the firm's digital assets while fostering a culture of continuous technological improvement throughout the entire organization.
    Leora Freire, the Chief Legal Officer at WGI, directs all legal strategy and risk management for the firm's national infrastructure and real estate development portfolio. By navigating complex regulatory environments, the Chief Legal Officer ensures compliance across all professional service engagements. Freire manages contractual negotiations and protects the firm's intellectual property and corporate interests. This leadership role involves providing critical guidance to the executive team regarding liability, governance, and corporate policy. Leora Freire drives the resolution of legal challenges, ensuring that business operations proceed without disruption. By establishing robust legal frameworks, the Chief Legal Officer supports the firm's ability to pursue ambitious development projects with confidence. Ultimately, Freire secures the long-term stability of the organization by mitigating legal risks and fostering ethical business practices throughout every facet of the firm's operations and client interactions.
    Leora Freire

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding WGI Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads WGI?
    WGI is led by David Wantman (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Shad Shafie (Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer) and Gregory Sauter (President).
    Who is part of WGI’s executive team?
    The executive team of WGI includes leaders such as David Wantman (Chief Executive Officer), Shad Shafie (Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer), Gregory Sauter (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does WGI have?
    WGI has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in WGI’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of WGI includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, President, Vice President, Chief Information Officer, Chief Legal Officer.