WGI Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Focused on national infrastructure and real estate development, WGI delivers professional design services to modernize public spaces and private assets while maintaining a commitment to sustainable engineering excellence across the United States.

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 national design and professional services firm. By aligning corporate objectives with the evolving demands of public infrastructure and real estate development, the Chief Executive Officer ensures long-term growth and market competitiveness. David Wantman oversees the executive leadership team to maintain high standards in engineering and architectural delivery. This role involves constant evaluation of market trends to identify expansion opportunities across North American territories. Through rigorous oversight of firm-wide performance metrics, the Chief Executive Officer drives operational efficiency and fosters a culture of innovation. By prioritizing client satisfaction and project quality, the Chief Executive Officer secures the firm's reputation as a leader in the construction sector. Wantman maintains focus on sustainable development practices, ensuring that every project contributes positively to the built environment while meeting complex regulatory requirements and client expectations.

    Shad Shafie - Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

    Shad Shafie, the Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer at WGI, manages the daily execution of complex infrastructure projects and professional service delivery. Overseeing internal workflows, the Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer optimizes resource allocation to maximize productivity across all regional offices. Shad Shafie coordinates with department heads to streamline project lifecycles, ensuring that real estate development initiatives meet strict deadlines and budgetary constraints. This leadership position requires constant monitoring of operational health and the implementation of scalable processes to support firm growth. By refining project management methodologies, the Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer enhances the quality of engineering outputs. Shafie drives cross-functional collaboration to resolve technical challenges, maintaining high performance standards throughout the organization. Through the application of data-driven insights, the Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer improves operational agility, allowing the firm to adapt quickly to shifting market demands in the construction industry.
    Shad Shafie

    Gregory Sauter - President

    Gregory Sauter, the President at WGI, leads the tactical implementation of business development initiatives and client engagement strategies. By overseeing the firm's market presence, the President ensures that professional services align with the specific needs of public sector clients and private developers. Gregory Sauter drives the expansion of service offerings, focusing on high-impact infrastructure projects that define the firm's portfolio. This role involves building strong relationships with key stakeholders and industry partners to secure long-term contracts. The President coordinates with the executive team to translate high-level strategy into actionable business plans that drive revenue growth. Sauter monitors market performance to identify new opportunities for service diversification within the construction sector. By fostering a culture of excellence and client-centric service, the President ensures that the firm maintains its status as a premier provider of design and engineering solutions. Through consistent leadership, the President supports the firm's commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure across the nation.

    Ira Wolf - Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    Ira Wolf, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer at WGI, architects the digital infrastructure and technological framework supporting the firm's design and engineering operations. By integrating advanced software solutions and secure data management systems, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer enables seamless collaboration on large-scale public infrastructure projects. Ira Wolf oversees the implementation of cutting-edge design tools that enhance precision and efficiency for architectural teams. This role involves protecting sensitive project data through robust cybersecurity protocols while ensuring that all digital assets remain accessible to staff across various geographic locations. The Vice President, Chief Information Officer drives the digital transformation strategy, modernizing internal systems to support complex real estate development workflows. Wolf evaluates emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the construction services market. By aligning IT initiatives with business goals, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer ensures that the firm leverages technology to deliver superior value to clients.
    Leora Freire, the Chief Legal Officer at WGI, manages all legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation strategies for the firm. By providing counsel on complex contracts related to public infrastructure and real estate development, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that every project adheres to local, state, and federal laws. Leora Freire oversees the negotiation of agreements with partners and clients, protecting the firm's interests while fostering productive professional relationships. This leadership role involves monitoring legislative changes that impact the construction industry and advising the executive team on necessary policy adjustments. The Chief Legal Officer drives internal governance standards to maintain ethical operations and minimize liability. Freire coordinates with external legal counsel to resolve disputes and manage litigation, ensuring that the firm remains focused on its core mission. Through proactive legal planning, the Chief Legal Officer supports the firm's expansion efforts by identifying and addressing potential regulatory hurdles before they impede project progress.
    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.