Leadership
Shakeel
Ahmed, PE
Founder & Chief
Executive Officer
Shakeel
Ahmed, PE
Founder & Chief
Executive Officer
Shakeel Ahmed has over 30 years of experience in the transportation industry. As a former employee of the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA), moving from Design Manager to senior Project Manager, Shakeel has managed the development of projects from schematic to final construction documents, ranging from municipal projects to billion-dollar Design-Build projects. Shakeel leads IEA with the vision of finding cost-effective solutions for our clients projects. He is experienced in stakeholder coordination, with specific expertise in clearly explaining design concepts to help gain buy-in on his projects.
Joe Tabone, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Joe Tabone, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Joe Tabone is a senior financial executive and Certified Public Accountant with over 38 years’ experience in all aspects of accounting, auditing, and financial management. His financial experience includes general contracting, heavy civil construction, steel erection, federal government contracting, specialty chemicals, commodity chemicals, paper, and packaging. His specialties include traditional bank financing, asset-based financing, insurance and risk management, surety bond programs, acquisitions, merger integration, early-stage startups, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), system conversions, profitability improvement, process improvement, and Six Sigma.
David Speicher, PE, ENV SP
Director of Business Development
Interim Austin Office Lead
David Speicher, PE, ENV SP
Director of Business Development
Interim Austin Office Lead
David Speicher has over 33 years of experience in civil engineering, public works, and executive leadership. Licensed in Texas, he has held key positions with TxDOT, the Cities of Fort Worth and Denton, and several consulting firms, where he directed multidisciplinary teams on major infrastructure initiatives. His expertise spans roadway, drainage, water, wastewater, and land development projects, complemented by public service as Mayor Pro-Tem for the City of Justin, President of Region 8 for the Texas Municipal League, and military service as a U.S. Army Platoon Commander. David’s blend of engineering expertise, regulatory knowledge, and leadership ensures successful project outcomes that support both community needs and long-term resilience.
Jennifer
Nelson - Smith
Director of Marketing and Communications
Jennifer
Nelson - Smith
Director of Marketing and Communications
Jennifer Nelson-Smith has over 15 years of experience with technical reports, public involvement, coordination, communication, and marketing in multiple sectors. Her experience includes review of technical reports, marketing strategy, proposal compilation, press releases, newsletters, public announcements, communication updates, in-person and electronic coordination, public speaking, event planning, and client updates. Jennifer is currently serving on the Farmers Branch Park & Recreation Board and volunteers at local Farmers Branch events.
Diana K. Smith, MS-HRM, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, PHR
Human Resources Manager
Diana K. Smith, MS-HRM, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, PHR
Human Resources Manager
Diana Smith brings over 20 years of experience in developing, implementing and evaluating strategic and proactive HR and business solutions. She is a creative problem solver with effective communication, interpersonal, conflict resolution, and organizational skills, and an ability to effectively partner with all levels of management and employees. Diana’s experience and background are in successfully implementing best practices and designing successful HR departments, policies, and procedures from the ground up or in high-growth organizations. She has strong skills in policy and procedures development, employee relations, benefits, employment law and compliance, payroll, recruiting, and various HR and systems implementation and administration.
Jim
Reiser, PE
Director of
Transportation
Jim
Reiser, PE
Director of
Transportation
Jim Reiser is a supervising engineer with over 35 years of experience in transportation, including project management, design, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) reviews for the preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E), construction support, construction bid document preparation, Design-Build and alternative delivery experience. He has completed projects for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA), municipalities, and the private sector. He is committed to helping clients succeed through design innovation, attention to detail, schedule adherence, and robust quality control.
Howard
Caldwell, PE
Director of Construction Services
Howard
Caldwell, PE
Director of Construction Services
Howard Caldwell is a former TxDOT Area Engineer with more than 35 years of experience leading delivery of major transportation facility programs in Texas. Howard has led project teams to achieve on-time and in budget delivery of projects valued at over $3.5B. He has provided Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) and construction management services to TxDOT, the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA), the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority (FBCTRA), and the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA). Howard’s notable construction projects include the State Highway 87 Neches River/Veterans Memorial Bridge, Texas’ first cable-stayed bridge; the Westpark Tollway, the nation’s first all-electronic toll road; State Highway 130, Texas’ first design-build highway project; and the President George Bush Turnpike Western Extension Phase 4, NTTA’s first design-build project.
Jason
Barton
Director of
Transit / Rail
Jason
Barton
Director of
Transit / Rail
Jason Barton has 32 years of various project management, engineering, quality assurance, materials control, and logistical experience in heavy construction, including rail and roadway work. He has also worked in project public relations and has managed over 565 personnel in different aspects of construction/logistical service support. His thorough knowledge of Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) engineering standards, traffic control measures/ devices and material test methods, and Department of Defense (DoD) and Federal Acquisition Regulations helps to keep projects in compliance. His business acumen and expertise in project delivery routinely result in schedule and budget savings to the client.
Brenden
Saline, PE
Director of Aviation
Brenden
Saline, PE
Director of Aviation
Brenden Saline brings more than two decades of civil engineering experience, with the last 15 years focused on aviation. His background includes leading the design and management of both airside and landside projects at some of the nation’s busiest airports—including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (IAH), San Antonio International Airport (SAT), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Brenden has played key roles on major aviation programs, including projects with construction values reaching up to $9.5 billion. His deep understanding of FAA standards, along with international experience applying International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, gives him a well-rounded perspective to support airports of all sizes. His hands-on leadership, technical expertise, and proven ability to navigate complex aviation programs make him well-suited to lead IEA’s growing aviation team.
Kyle Moynihan, PE, CFM
Dallas
Area Manager
Kyle Moynihan, PE, CFM
Dallas
Area Manager
Kyle Moynihan has over 12 years of experience successfully leading both Municipal and Drainage projects in Cities/Towns and Counties throughout Texas. He has completed both study and design projects for TxDOT, DART, NCTCOG, FEMA, and HCFCD. Kyle and his team have the expertise to complete challenging projects including Roadway Design, Neighborhood Rehabilitation, Hike and Bike Trails, Utilities, Complex Hydraulic Modeling (1D/2D), CLOMR/LOMR Studies, Channel Improvements, Storm Sewer, Detention and Permitting. He has been involved in TSPE, served on the board of SAME Dallas Post and currently helps lead the IEA ASPIRE internship program where he enjoys helping shape future young engineers.
Wilson
Wong, PE
Houston
Area Manager
Wilson
Wong, PE
Houston
Area Manager
Wilson Wong has over 27 years of experience in project management and structural and bridge engineering, and has provided design services for TxDOT, toll road authorities, local municipalities, and private sector clients. Wilson’s design experience encompasses major freeway direct connector design, urban and rural overpass and creek crossings, bridge geometrics, feasibility studies, MSE/cast-in-place/drilled shaft/steel sheet piling retaining wall designs, tolling facilities and drainage structures.