Mario Echagarrua, a 37-year transportation engineering veteran, has joined Wantman Group Inc. (WGI) as the firm’s chief operating officer. Echagarrua will allow the firm’s president David Wantman to focus primarily on mergers and acquisitions and geographic expansion, the practice said in a news release.

“Mario will work with our senior management team, accounting and human resources, and IT professionals to improve operational efficiency and accountability firm-wide.” Wantman said.

Echagarrua has extensive experience in the overall management and administration of professional service firms’ operations, as well as a strong Florida background. His resume covers projects from PD&E, Conceptual Studies, RFP Development, Environmental and Drainage Studies and CE&I. “He has amassed over three decades of expertise in interstate corridors, complex interchange highway design, HOV/managed lanes, and signature bridge replacement projects,” the news release said.

“Mario’s broad range of experience throughout Florida, as a firm owner and as a leader in the world’s largest professional services firm, offers WGI new and exciting opportunities that will further advance our commitment to exceptional services and continued growth,” Wantman said. “We will be working closely together on the daily operations of the firm, and that will allow me to concentrate my efforts on WGI’s strategic vision and growth initiatives.”