Vice President, David Schlant, Retires

David M. Schlant, PE, LEED AP, NYS CEO

David Schlant joined M/E Engineering in 1999

MBA | University at Buffalo, 1990

BS in Mechanical Engineering | University at Buffalo, 1986 

A Career Built on Expertise and Excellence 

Spanning almost 4 decades, Dave’s career began at WKB&W when he was 23 years old. After 11 years, and an acquisition, Dave would spend the next 28 years with M/E Engineering, now Salas O’Brien. During his time at M/E, he progressed from senior engineer to Plumbing and Fire Protection Group Manager, Partner, Principal, and Vice President, becoming one of the most respected professionals in our organization and within the industry.  His expertise in both plumbing and fire protection arenas is second to none.

A graduate of the University at Buffalo, Dave earned both a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA. Throughout his career, he continually expanded his expertise, earning professional engineering licenses in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and California, including specialized licensure in both Mechanical and Fire Protection Engineering. He is also a LEED Accredited Professional, and a New York State Certified Code Enforcement Official. 

Over the years, Dave contributed to countless projects that have shaped communities throughout New York and beyond. Among the projects he remembers most fondly are the UB South Pump Station - Storage Tank and Distribution System Improvements, his first project with significant design responsibility, as well as work on Rich Stadium Improvements, Buffalo Zoo's Rainforest Exhibit, Seneca Niagara and Allegany Casinos, Upstate Medical University's sprinkler upgrades, Marine Drive Apartments, NFTA's DL&W Station, and numerous correctional, transportation, healthcare, and industrial facilities. His expertise in plumbing, fire protection, and code compliance has influenced projects that millions of people use and occupy every year.

Leadership & Mentorship

While Dave's technical accomplishments are remarkable, those who have worked alongside him know that his greatest contributions extend far beyond engineering calculations and project drawings. He has long been recognized for his calm demeanor, patience, extraordinary attention to detail, and ability to guide teams through challenges with confidence and professionalism. In a fast-paced industry that has evolved from hand drafting to CAD and now fully integrated Revit environments, Dave remained a steady presence.  Through it all, he consistently offered thoughtful solutions and quiet encouragement while helping colleagues navigate a steady stream of change and challenges. 

As a leader, Dave describes his style as collaborative, believing that every member of a team brings valuable knowledge to the table. That philosophy has left a lasting impact on generations of engineers, designers, project managers and administrative staff he has mentored throughout his career. Few things brought him more satisfaction than helping others develop their skills, gain confidence, and grow professionally. No matter how full his schedule, he always took time to give the details necessary to adequately understand a situation.  Without exception, he would toss in some humor, and just enough sarcasm to leave you feeling confident about whatever problem you were working through together.

His influence can also be seen in the standards and processes that continue to support our work today. Dave played a key role in developing and refining master specifications, standard details, and internal engineering standards, particularly during the integration of WKB&W and M/E Engineering. The efficiencies and consistency those efforts created continue to benefit projects across the firm.

Outside of project work, Dave has been deeply committed to professional and community service. He has been an active member of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), and Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE). He served for many years on the local ASPE Board of Directors, including a term as Chapter President, helping advance the profession while building relationships with industry leaders and peers nationwide.

Equally important has been his dedication to the community. Dave served for 13 years on the Ronald McDonald House Board of Directors, including time as Board President, and has spent nearly 30 years serving on its Buildings and Grounds Committee, helping support families during some of their most challenging times.

Saying Goodbye & Celebrating the Next Chapter

When asked what he will miss most, Dave's answer was simple: the people. Throughout his career, he valued the relationships he built with coworkers, clients, architects, contractors, vendors, and industry partners. He often says he learned something from every person with whom he worked and treasures those interactions as one of the most rewarding parts of his professional journey. 

Dave leaves us with a reminder that perfectly reflects both his career and character: "What we do impacts everyone in our community, from the apartments where they live, to the schools they attend, to the hospitals where they go to get well, to the offices where they work and the places where they spend their free time. It's a great privilege and responsibility to do what we do. Never forget that."

As Dave begins retirement, he looks forward to spending more time with his wife, Sue; son, Dave Jr., and daughter-in-law, Liz; and daughter, Elizabeth, and son-in-law, Alex. He and Sue are planning to purchase a small RV and travel, and Dave hopes to spend more time reading, getting to the gym, and perhaps attending a few classes already being selected for him by Sue at the local senior center.

On behalf of all of us at Salas O'Brien, we extend our sincere gratitude to Dave for his decades of leadership, mentorship, friendship, and service. His professional legacy will continue through the projects he helped create, the standards he established, and the many people whose careers he influenced along the way.