Leadership

As the CEO of SCI, Scott leads the strategic direction of the firm, advising the board of directors on long-term planning, financial strategies, performance management, and daily operations. Since joining SCI in 1994, he has been instrumental in advancing the organization’s mission and goals.

Scott frequently shares his expertise at public outreach events and holds advanced degrees in soil science. He earned a Master’s degree in Pedology (Soil Classification) and a Bachelor of Science in Soil Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is a Professional Soil Classifier and a Certified Professional Soil Scientist, widely respected in his field.

Scott actively contributes to several prominent industry committees. He serves as Membership Chair for Progress 64 West and Scholarship Chair for the Society of American Military Engineers Scott Post. Additionally, he is involved with the American Council of Engineering Companies Environment & Energy Committee, East-West Gateway Water Resources Advisory Committee, and the St. Louis Earth Day Water Symposium Planning Committee.

His professional affiliations include the American Society of Agronomy, Illinois Soil Classifiers Association, Illinois Association of Floodplain & Stormwater Management, Missouri Association of Professional Soil Scientists, American Council of Engineering Companies – Illinois, American Public Works Association, and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

As President of SCI Engineering, Trey Coad leads the company’s strategic initiatives, cultivates a strong organizational culture, and drives sustainable growth. With over 20 years of experience in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, Trey brings extensive expertise and a proven track record of success.

Trey’s leadership encompasses all aspects of business management and development, including corporate planning, advancing strategic goals, setting financial objectives, and evaluating growth opportunities for the firm. He also oversees key growth initiatives, such as SCI’s continued geographic expansion. Trey holds a significant value in building meaningful client relationships and promoting collaboration across the industry.

With a solid foundation in due diligence services, Trey’s advisory portfolio features multi-million and billion-dollar construction and redevelopment projects with complex design and engineering challenges. He has played a pivotal role in evaluating, designing, and overseeing construction for these projects, leveraging his experience to manage high-profile initiatives successfully. His expertise lies in developing tailored solutions for investors, owners, and project teams to minimize risks and liabilities. By utilizing risk-based protocols and strategic remedial approaches, Trey delivers cost-effective recommendations that ensure the financial viability of each project.

Throughout his career, Trey has actively contributed to professional organizations such as ACEC, ULI, SAME, AGC, IHMM, GSHMM, and CREW. His philanthropic efforts extend to supporting causes such as the American Heart Association, United Way, American Red Cross, Make-A-Wish, Salvation Army, and Wounded Warriors.

Dave joined SCI in 1995 and currently serves as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. With 30 years of experience in civil engineering and construction materials testing, Dave oversees the Construction Services Group, including both field and laboratory operations. In his role as CFO, he also plays a key part in guiding the company’s financial planning and strategic direction.

Dave holds a Master of Business Administration from Lindenwood University and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Purdue University. He is actively involved in several professional organizations, including the Concrete Council of St. Louis, the O’Fallon Public Works Commission, and the HBA of Greater St. Louis. He also serves as the Certifications Chairman and is a past president of the Missouri Chapter of the American Concrete Institute.

Shawnna Erter, P.E., BC.GE, F.ASCE joined SCI Engineering, Inc. (SCI) in 2001 and currently serves as Vice President of Business Development. In this role, she leads SCI’s strategic business development efforts, with a focus on cultivating and sustaining meaningful partnerships across both public and private sectors. Leveraging SCI’s multidisciplinary expertise in geotechnical engineering, environmental services, natural and cultural resources, and construction materials testing, Shawnna identifies and champions opportunities that align with the firm’s technical capabilities and long-term growth objectives.

Before stepping into her current leadership role in business development, Shawnna served as Vice President of Geotechnical Services, where she oversaw SCI’s geotechnical team and led the preparation of proposals and technical reports for subsurface investigations and foundation design—ranging from shallow and deep foundations to slope stability, liquefaction, and settlement analyses. She also provided project management for SCI’s Construction Services Group, ensuring testing and inspection services were delivered with quality, precision, and regulatory compliance throughout the construction process.

Shawnna brings extensive industry knowledge and engagement to her work. She is one of only 353 Board-Certified Geotechnical Engineers worldwide, a designation that reflects both her exceptional expertise and her ongoing commitment to staying at the forefront of geotechnical innovation. She currently serves as Chair-Elect of the Association of GeoProfessionals (AGP) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Chair-Elect of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Missouri Board, member of the Board of Directors for ACEC’s GeoProfessional Coalition, and is a Past President of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) St. Louis Section, as well as a former Region 7 Governor. Nationally, she contributes to the Site Characterization and Ground Modification Committees of ASCE’s Geo-Institute. In addition, she is actively involved with several other industry organizations, serving on committees for Women in Transportation and the American Public Works Association—strengthening SCI’s visibility and impact throughout the A/E/C community.

Since joining SCI Engineering in June 1999, Ed now leads the firm’s Engineering Design & Due Diligence Services groups, bringing together geotechnical, environmental, natural resource and cultural resource experts to provide clients with clear, comprehensive guidance from initial concept through construction. A professional engineer and retired U.S. Army officer, Ed offers over 30 years of nationwide consulting experience that spans hazardous-waste management, soil and groundwater investigations, Phase I & II ESAs, NEPA reviews, air-quality and noise analyses, and SPCC planning.

Ed’s field-tested background, multi-agency regulatory fluency, and ability to translate complex findings into concise recommendations make him a natural fit for this multidisciplinary role. Having previously led major contracts as Vice President of Environmental Services, he excels at aligning diverse teams, spotting scope gaps early and compressing approval timelines—saving clients time and cost while safeguarding project success.

He earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Missouri – Rolla and is an active member of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME).

Mike has been a vital part of SCI Engineering, Inc. since 1995, and has spent a significant portion of his career managing and growing SCI’s Natural and Cultural Resources Group.  Mike now serves as SCI’s Vice President of Organizational Development, overseeing company-wide talent acquisition and leading initiatives that drive employee development and organizational culture. Recognizing that the company’s success hinges on the quality and advancement of its employees, Mike has naturally transitioned to this role.  He has extensive experience in team building and maintaining a workplace culture that fosters employee growth and career development.

In his current role, Mike is responsible for building and maintaining a talent strategy that aligns with the company’s long-range plans.  This strategy includes identification, strategic recruitment, career path development, and retention of talent necessary for the success of our ever-growing company. His expertise also includes onboarding, performance management, coaching, employee engagement, turnover evaluation, and transition planning. Mike’s approach ensures that employees are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles and contribute to the company’s success.

Michelle Eaton, P.E, has over 16 years of experience in the environmental engineering field and is responsible for management and oversight of projects in SCI’s Denver, Colorado office. Her expertise includes experience with spill prevention, control, and countermeasure (SPCC) plans, remediation planning and oversight, and soil and hazardous waste characterization. Her responsibilities include, but are not limited to, proposal development and review, scheduling, staffing, technical writing, client management, and report delivery coordination.

In addition to her role as an environmental professional, Michelle also supports SCI’s geotechnical, natural resources, cultural resources, and material testing teams.

Tim joined SCI Engineering, Inc. in 2016 and is a senior engineer managing the Geotechnical Services Group. His responsibilities include preparation of geotechnical reports and proposals for subsurface explorations, providing foundation and site development recommendations. As part of his responsibilities, he performs: global stability, liquefaction, seepage, and settlement analysis, pavement and reinforced earth mat design, coordinates the drilling and testing for subsurface explorations, attends project meetings and provides general oversight of the Geotechnical Group’s daily operations.

Jessica joined SCI Engineering, Inc. in 2004 and serves as the firm’s Environmental Services Manager, leading SCI’s environmental consulting operations. She brings extensive environmental consulting experience, and as a Senior Project Scientist, she specializes in a broad range of environmental services critical to pre-construction planning and regulatory compliance. Her expertise includes Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), Brownfield management, petroleum and hazardous substance risk assessments, waste classification and UST closures as well as environmental bid specifications and demolition oversight. Jessica is also certified as an Asbestos Inspector in Missouri and Illinois and has conducted asbestos, lead, mold, heavy metal, and universal waste surveys for a wide variety of structures. Her project experience spans everything from single-story residential properties to 600,000 square-foot industrial sites and coal-fired power plants, providing the environmental due diligence and project management support necessary to keep projects on schedule and in compliance.

Scott joined SCI Engineering, Inc. in 2006 and serves as the firm’s Natural Resources and Cultural Resources Manager, overseeing both service groups and providing leadership on complex projects. He specializes in wetland delineations, Section 404/401 permitting services, threatened and endangered species consultations, environmental assessments, and linear project coordination, including project management for both natural resource and cultural resource service groups. Scott frequently serves as the project manager on large-scale projects, helping clients navigate complex regulatory processes while maintaining project schedules. Prior to joining SCI, Scott interned with the Governor’s Environmental Corps – Hazardous Waste Permitting Program at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, gaining early exposure to environmental regulation and permitting at the state and local level. He earned his B.S. degree in Geography from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville, and has completed the necessary credit hours for a M.S. degree in Environmental Science.