Our Team
At SB&O, our success is driven by a team of dedicated engineers, surveyors, and planners who bring decades of expertise to every project. With a shared commitment to precision, innovation, and client-focused solutions, we collaborate to shape the infrastructure and communities of Southern California and beyond. Our leadership and staff combine technical excellence with hands-on experience, ensuring every project is delivered efficiently, sustainably, and to the highest standards. Get to know the people behind SB&O's continued success.
Executive Team
-
Ali Alshahin
Chief Executive Officer
Ali Alshahin brings a strong background in civil engineering, infrastructure development, and project management to SB&O. With experience spanning engineering, utilities, and business operations, he has worked on complex projects across the U.S. and internationally, helping organizations optimize processes and drive operational success.
Ali began his career at Leidos, where he specialized in engineering design, project planning, and team development. In addition to his technical work, he played a key role in growing the firm’s Chicago office, leading recruitment, mentorship, and staff development initiatives to support long-term business growth.
He then joined AECOM as a Design Manager, overseeing the engineering and execution of large-scale infrastructure projects across New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia. In this role, he led multidisciplinary teams, managed project budgets and schedules, and played a key role in expanding AECOM’s presence in the Australian market, securing long-term service contracts and broadening the company’s client base in the region.
Most recently, Ali transitioned into management consulting at West Monroe, where he advised utilities and private equity clients on operational improvements, infrastructure modernization, and business strategy.
At SB&O, Ali leverages his engineering expertise, leadership experience, and business acumen to enhance operational efficiency, streamline project execution, and drive growth. His passion for strategic problem-solving, team development, and continuous improvement plays a key role in SB&O’s continued success and ability to deliver high-quality civil engineering, surveying, and planning services across Southern California.
-
Randy Safino, PE
Senior Executive Advisor
With over 40 years of experience leading large-scale, complex land development projects across Southern California, Randy Safino brings expert knowledge of all phases of land development—from initial planning to final construction. His deep understanding of engineering, entitlement processes, and project execution has made him a trusted leader in the industry.
Randy has played a key role in shaping notable developments such as Eastlake Development in Chula Vista and Encinitas Ranch in Encinitas, California. As a licensed Professional Engineer and an active member of BIA San Diego, he remains committed to advancing the industry and mentoring the next generation of professionals.
Passionate about the impact of land development, Randy takes great pride in projects that enhance communities and improve the daily lives of San Diego residents. His dedication to thoughtful planning, innovative engineering, and sustainable growth continues to shape the region’s evolving landscape.
-
Aaron Parker, PE
President, San Diego
Aaron Parker has been an integral part of SB&O since 2001, taking on various roles throughout his career. In 2008, he earned an MBA, broadening his approach to engineering, project management, and business strategy. While much of his expertise lies in private residential development, his work at SB&O has also spanned public infrastructure, industrial sites, and educational facilities.
One of Aaron’s most memorable projects was the Quarry Creek development in Carlsbad, a diverse community featuring single-family homes, townhomes, affordable housing, and luxury apartments. He finds it incredibly rewarding to contribute to projects that enhance the community and shape Southern California’s evolving landscape.
Beyond engineering and design, Aaron values the opportunity to collaborate with talented professionals and industry leaders. His involvement with the Building Industry Association (BIA) has helped him build strong relationships across the field, and in 2018, he was honored as Engineer of the Year.
-
Don Brooks, PE
President, Inland Empire
Don Brooks founded SB&O’s Inland Empire division in 1998 and has played a pivotal role in expanding the firm’s presence in the region. With over 40 years of experience in civil engineering, land development, and public works, he has led multi-disciplinary teams, overseen quality control and project administration, and driven business development.
Don specializes in planning, design, and construction support for both private land development and public infrastructure projects. With over 30 years in senior leadership roles, he has successfully managed complex, large-scale developments, working closely with municipalities, regulatory agencies, and private stakeholders. His expertise spans grading and feasibility studies, due diligence reviews, utility infrastructure, stormwater management, and roadway design.
Recognized for his engineering judgment, problem-solving ability, and client-focused approach, Don is highly skilled in assessing project feasibility, anticipating challenges, and ensuring efficient project execution. He is also well-versed in design standards, entitlement processes, and regulatory compliance, making him a trusted leader in the industry.
Some of his notable projects include:
-
Francis Street – Storm Drain & Street Rehabilitation, Ontario, CA – Led a regional storm drain and street improvement project, including storm drain alignment studies, capacity evaluation, confluence analysis, utility relocations, and street widening.
-
Airport Drive – Ontario International Airport – Managed a roadway widening and reconstruction project to support terminal expansion, including a bridge over the West Cucamonga Creek Channel, traffic signals, fuel line relocation, and right-of-way acquisition.
-
Piemonte – Ontario, CA – Oversaw a 100-acre mixed-use development featuring retail, office, hotel, and residential components, along with major infrastructure improvements.
-
Milliken Avenue & Guasti Road Intersection Reconstruction, Ontario, CA – Led reconstruction efforts for a major intersection near I-10, addressing truck traffic impacts, rail crossing improvements, pavement design, and utility relocations.
-
Fred Waring Drive Bridge, Indio, CA – Project manager for a 4-lane bridge over the Whitewater River, leading bridge approach analysis, scour analysis, right-of-way acquisition, and utility impact assessments.
-
Grove Avenue Widening and Holt Boulevard Intersection, Ontario, CA – Managed widening and reconstruction of Grove Avenue, including bridge foundation stabilization, earthen retaining walls, traffic signal upgrades, right-of-way acquisition, and utility relocations.
-
Alder Avenue Street Improvements, San Bernardino County, CA – Managed a roadway extension, coordinating with Caltrans, local agencies, and utility companies.
A licensed Professional Engineer in California, Don continues to shape SB&O’s success in the Inland Empire by delivering high-quality engineering solutions, ensuring cost-effective designs, and fostering strong client relationships. His passion for sustainable infrastructure, community development, and engineering excellence ensures SB&O remains a leader in the industry.
-
-
Michael Butcher, PLS
Vice President, San Diego
Mike Butcher has over 41 years of experience in surveying, mapping, and construction staking across Southern California. As Director of Construction Surveying at SB&O, he oversees all aspects of subdivision, multifamily, mixed-use, heavy civil, and railroad projects, ensuring precision and efficiency in every phase. His expertise spans deformation monitoring, GPS and topographic surveys, as-built documentation, ALTA/Land Title surveys, boundary analysis, legal descriptions, easement plats, right-of-way mapping, and Record of Survey maps.
Throughout his career, Mike has managed surveying efforts for some of the region’s most complex and high-profile infrastructure projects, including:
-
Sprinter Mainline Construction Project (NCTD) – Led surveying for the reconstruction of 22 miles of rail corridor.
-
Calpine/Otay Mesa Generating Plant – Oversaw surveying for a 510-megawatt power facility. Amazon – Arcilla – Managed construction surveying for a five-story, 3.4 million-square-foot robotic fulfillment center.
-
San Diego International Airport – Terminal 1 – Directed surveying for landside approach roads, bridges, parking structures, passenger boarding bridges, and the adjacent airfield apron.
-
Gaylord Pacific Resort Hotel & Convention Center – Led construction surveying for a 22-story resort, convention center, pools, and surrounding grounds.
Mike is a licensed Professional Land Surveyor in California, Arizona, and Nevada and has been a key advocate for the surveying profession. He has served as President of the California Land Surveyors Association (CLSA) in 2000 and 2013 and has played a vital role in legislative advocacy as Legislative Committee Chairman (2001-2006, 2008-2021, 2024-2025). Additionally, he served as Chairman of the Land Surveyors Technical Advisory Committee for the Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists from 2006 to 2017.
With his extensive experience and leadership in both surveying and industry advocacy, Mike continues to shape the profession and ensure the highest standards in construction surveying and mapping.
-
-
Allen Butcher, PE, QSD/P
Vice President, San Diego
Allen Butcher has over 40 years of experience in civil engineering and water resources, specializing in hydrology, drainage, stormwater management, and flood control. As a Project Manager and Lead Engineer at SB&O, he oversees technical reports and designs for water resources infrastructure, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while delivering efficient and cost-effective solutions.
Allen has extensive expertise in storm drain design, sewer capacity analysis, water quality treatment, HMP mitigation, detention and sediment basins, fire protection, and small pump stations. He has served as the Engineer of Work on numerous municipal, institutional, commercial, and residential developments, integrating water resource solutions into large-scale projects.
Some of his notable projects include:
-
The Cove, San Jacinto, CA – Hillside single-family residential development featuring multiple debris and detention basins, as well as stormwater, sewer, and water booster pump stations.
-
Eastlake Woods & Vistas, Chula Vista, CA – Design and modeling of multiple detention and flood control basins, supporting the Salt Creek Restoration Project.
-
French Valley 160, French Valley, CA – Design and implementation of multiple water quality basins and a large detention basin to mitigate development impacts.
-
Allred Collins Business Park, San Diego, CA – Regional sewer pump station (City Station #86) providing service for a 90-acre industrial project, diverting flows to address capacity issues in the Tecolote Canyon Trunk Sewer.
A Registered Professional Engineer in California (since 1991) and a Qualified SWPPP Developer & Practitioner (QSD/P #00410), Allen is also actively involved in the BIA San Diego Stormwater Task Force, where he contributes to industry advancements in stormwater management and regulatory compliance.
Dedicated to delivering innovative and cost-effective water resources solutions, Allen takes pride in designing infrastructure that supports sustainable development, environmental protection, and resilient communities.
-
-
Dan O'Rourke, PE
Vice President, Inland Empire
Dan O’Rourke is a licensed Professional Engineer with nearly four decades of experience in civil engineering, specializing in land development, infrastructure planning, and public works projects. Since joining SB&O in 1999, he has played a key role in shaping major private and public sector developments across California.
Dan’s expertise includes large-scale grading operations, complex drainage solutions, and infrastructure improvements, including roadway, sewer, and water system design. He takes a hands-on approach to every project, providing technical leadership, client support, and agency coordination to ensure efficient and high-quality project execution. As a member of ASCE, Dan remains actively involved in the engineering community, bringing a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to SB&O’s team and clients.
-
Stephen Ott, PE
Vice President, San Diego
Stephen Ott has over 31 years of experience in civil engineering, land development, and transportation infrastructure across Southern California. His expertise spans project management, construction document preparation, entitlement processing, design review, and construction support services. In addition to his technical work, he has played a key role in corporate structure development, CAD management, in-house design standards, and QA/QC procedures to improve efficiency and quality in project delivery.
Stephen specializes in residential and site development, with experience ranging from small infill multifamily projects to large-scale single-family residential communities, sports complexes, hospitals, ports of entry, and big-box commercial developments.
His recent notable projects include:
-
Piper Ranch Industrial Complex, San Ysidro, CA
-
Brix on Barham Multifamily Development, San Marcos, CA
-
Vantage Point / Amazon Headquarters & Distribution Center, Poway, CA
-
Anza Street Townhomes, El Cajon, CA
As a Registered Civil Engineer in California (C70666), Stephen is also actively involved in the Building Industry Association (BIA) – San Diego, where he participates in the BIA Mentor Program and is a sponsor of Taste of BIA.
For Stephen, civil engineering and land development are about more than just design—they’re about creating communities and shaping the built environment. He finds great fulfillment in seeing projects come to life, knowing that his expertise contributes to providing much-needed housing and infrastructure through thoughtful, creative, and impactful solutions.
-