Transportation industry veteran brings 30 years of experience to support the firm’s continued growth across Northern California
OAKLAND, Calif. (August 6, 2026) – HNTB Corporation has named Dominic Spaethling Northern California office leader, overseeing the firm’s offices in Oakland, Sacramento and San Jose. He succeeds former Office Leader Shannon Gaffney who will remain with HNTB in a key leadership role working alongside the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority to help guide one of the region’s most significant transportation infrastructure programs.
As office leader, Spaethling will be responsible for managing HNTB’s operations across Northern California, including overseeing project delivery, client relations and business development. Under his leadership, HNTB’s Northern California office will continue delivering innovative infrastructure solutions that help clients address the region’s evolving transportation needs.
Spaethling has 30 years of transportation industry experience and has served in leadership roles at HNTB for the past 13 years. Most recently, he served as the firm’s West Region sales officer. Previously, he served as Utah office leader, where he was responsible for growing the office by more than 50% and oversaw the delivery of complex infrastructure solutions for the Utah Department of Transportation, Utah Transit Authority, High-Valley Transit and Salt Lake City International Airport.
“Dominic’s track record of success and collaborative leadership style will continue to advance our Northern California office’s growth,” said Jeff Watson, PE, HNTB West Division president and senior vice president. “Throughout his career at HNTB, he has driven expansion and championed a culture of excellence. His leadership will continue to create value for our employee owners, clients and communities for years to come.”
Spaethling has led strategic planning efforts, strengthened client relationships and supported major rail and transit initiatives, including work with BART and the California High-Speed Rail Authority. His experience spans multimodal transportation planning, program management and the delivery of complex infrastructure solutions.
“I’m honored to return to Northern California and lead such a talented team,” Spaethling said. “Our clients are advancing some of the country’s most innovative transportation programs, and I look forward to working alongside our employee owners to build on the strong relationships that have been established and continue delivering solutions that improve mobility and strengthen communities throughout the region.”
Spaethling earned his master’s in city planning at the University of Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s in international relations at Brown University.