News & Insights

Salas O’Brien has appointed Wade Claggett as senior vice president, data and AI. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Wade will lead the firm’s strategy for applying data, automation, and emerging technology to strengthen delivery and execution.

Wade joins at a point when AI is moving quickly from idea to expectation across the built environment. Critical sectors, including data centers, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and higher education, are planning and delivering complex projects on tighter timelines, while navigating new questions around risk, data, and long-term performance. Wade brings more than 20 years of experience leading data strategy, automation, and digital transformation in complex organizations.

“Our clients are under real pressure to move faster than ever before,” said Darin Anderson, chairman and CEO. “They need partners who can drive schedule gains while improving quality and construction outcomes. That means better use of data, better tools, and better execution. It also means protecting the information they trust us with. Both matter, and we take both seriously.”

A practical, disciplined approach to AI

Salas O’Brien’s approach to AI is straightforward: use it where it improves delivery and apply it with the right level of control. The focus is on reducing friction and eliminating repetitive work so the firm’s engineers, designers, and scientists can spend more time on the relationships, innovation, and technical judgment that drive improved project outcomes.

That work is supported by clear governance around how data and AI are used, particularly on projects tied to critical infrastructure, public health, and national security. The goal is not speed at any cost, but speed made possible by the right safeguards.

“AI should make our teams more effective, not replace what they bring to the work,” Wade said. “It should help us solve complex problems faster and work more seamlessly with our clients. Doing that well takes discipline. You have to understand where it adds value, where it doesn’t, and how to use it responsibly in environments that really matter. That’s the work ahead, and we have the foundation and drive to do it.”

Building on momentum

Wade’s appointment builds on work already underway across the firm. Teams have been advancing early efforts in data, automation, and AI, creating a strong foundation to build from.

“We are already strong and advancing quickly in the development and application of new tools,” stated Darin. “Our teams have made meaningful progress. Wade’s practical leadership style and collaborative approach are a strong fit for where we’re headed. His role is to bring alignment, accelerate what’s working, and scale it in a way that supports our clients and our teams.”

Wade holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from The Ohio State University, a Master of Science in Operations Research from the Florida Institute of Technology, and an Executive Certificate in Artificial Intelligence from Carnegie Mellon University. His work reflects a balanced perspective on innovation and governance, with a focus on scalable solutions that deliver long-term value.

About Salas O’Brien

Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and technical services firm focused on advancing the human experience through the built environment. Our team is engineered for impact®, helping clients solve complex engineering challenges with a focus on efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability, while advancing our team members through growth and opportunity. We are a top firm as ranked by Engineering News-Record and Consulting-Specifying Engineer, and we have appeared for over a decade on the Inc. 5000 list of North America’s fastest-growing private companies.