WGI Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

WGI has 5 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, operational management, infrastructure development, legal compliance, and executive leadership.

Focused on national design and professional services for public infrastructure and real estate development, WGI delivers innovative engineering solutions that shape the built environment across the United States.

Leadership Roles at WGI

  • Chief Executive Officer - David Wantman
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Mario Echagarrua
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer - Shad Shafie
  • President - Gregory Sauter
  • Chief Legal Officer - Leora Freire
  • David Wantman - Chief Executive Officer

    David Wantman, the Chief Executive Officer at WGI, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the national design and professional services firm. By aligning internal resources with the evolving demands of public infrastructure and real estate development, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent growth and market relevance. David Wantman maintains a focus on high-level business development, fostering relationships with key stakeholders to expand the firm's footprint across diverse regional markets. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of industry trends to maintain a competitive edge in the construction sector. Through the implementation of rigorous performance standards, the Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence across all departments. By prioritizing sustainable growth and technical innovation, the firm secures its position as a leader in the professional services landscape. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer guides the organization toward achieving complex project milestones while upholding the highest standards of professional integrity.

    Mario Echagarrua - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Mario Echagarrua, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at WGI, manages the daily operational workflows and internal processes essential for large-scale infrastructure projects. Overseeing the execution of complex engineering designs, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that project delivery remains efficient and aligned with client expectations. Mario Echagarrua coordinates cross-functional teams to optimize resource allocation, thereby enhancing productivity across the firm's national operations. This leadership role requires constant monitoring of project lifecycles to mitigate risks and maintain quality control standards. By streamlining internal communication channels, the Chief Operating Officer facilitates seamless collaboration between design departments and field teams. The focus remains on scaling operational capacity to meet the demands of the real estate development sector. Through the application of advanced project management methodologies, the Chief Operating Officer drives consistent operational improvements. Ultimately, the firm achieves superior project outcomes through the disciplined oversight provided by this executive.

    Shad Shafie - Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

    Shad Shafie, the Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer at WGI, directs the strategic implementation of technical infrastructure initiatives and regional operational expansion. Focusing on the integration of advanced design technologies, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes the firm's service delivery model for public sector clients. Shad Shafie manages the deployment of specialized engineering talent across various geographic territories to ensure project success. This leadership role involves close coordination with the executive team to align operational output with the firm's broader business objectives. By refining internal workflows, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the speed and accuracy of professional services provided to real estate developers. The focus remains on driving efficiency through data-driven decision-making and process automation. Through the oversight of critical operational functions, the Chief Operating Officer supports the firm's commitment to excellence in construction and design. Ultimately, the firm maintains a robust competitive advantage through the strategic operational leadership provided by this executive.
    Shad Shafie

    Gregory Sauter - President

    Gregory Sauter, the President at WGI, directs the firm's market positioning and business development initiatives to drive growth in the public infrastructure and real estate sectors. Overseeing the execution of the company's commercial strategy, the President ensures that service offerings remain aligned with the evolving needs of clients across the United States. Gregory Sauter fosters strategic partnerships and identifies new opportunities for expansion, strengthening the firm's presence in key regional markets. This leadership role involves close collaboration with other C-suite members to translate corporate goals into actionable business plans. By championing innovation in professional services, the President enhances the firm's reputation for delivering high-quality design solutions. The focus remains on achieving sustainable revenue growth while maintaining the firm's core values of excellence and integrity. Through the strategic management of client relationships and market outreach, the President drives the firm's overall success. Ultimately, the firm achieves its ambitious growth targets through the dedicated leadership provided by this executive.
    Leora Freire, the Chief Legal Officer at WGI, manages all legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation strategies for the national design and professional services firm. Overseeing complex contract negotiations and corporate governance, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all business activities adhere to industry standards and legal requirements. Leora Freire provides critical guidance on liability management, protecting the firm's interests during the development of public infrastructure and real estate projects. This leadership role involves constant interaction with the executive team to address legal challenges and facilitate smooth business operations. By establishing robust compliance frameworks, the Chief Legal Officer minimizes operational risks and supports the firm's long-term stability. The focus remains on navigating the intricate regulatory landscape inherent in the construction and architecture industry. Through the proactive management of legal risks, the Chief Legal Officer enables the firm to pursue growth opportunities with confidence. Ultimately, the firm operates within a secure legal environment due to the diligent oversight provided by this executive.
    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 Mario Echagarrua (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and Shad Shafie (Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of WGI’s executive team?
    The executive team of WGI includes leaders such as David Wantman (Chief Executive Officer), Mario Echagarrua (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer), Shad Shafie (Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer) 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, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, President, Chief Legal Officer.