Drago Vantage, LLC, is a diverse team of transportation experts, including engineers, planners, marketers, and communications professionals. The collective goal is to collaborate with transportation agencies, helping them to achieve their capital improvement goals. This multidisciplinary team combines technical know-how, strategic planning, marketing, and effective communication to support agencies in executing successful transportation projects, all while emphasizing diversity and inclusivity in the industry.
Sabrina Drago, PE,
President
Sabrina’s career journey embodies a deep-rooted commitment to transportation innovation. A licensed civil engineer with an MBA, she initially honed her skills as a bridge engineer before transitioning into management roles encompassing marketing, business development, and regional quality leadership over nearly two decades.
Serving in leadership roles in multiple leading engineering consulting firms in the United States, Sabrina possesses a holistic understanding of transportation dynamics, spanning business operations, project delivery, and strategic management. This multifaceted experience equips her with a nuanced perspective on consulting—from initial pursuits to project execution and senior-level decision-making.
Continuously expanding her expertise, Sabrina ventured into the public sector, where she applied her accumulated knowledge to shape transportation policies and funding strategies. As an Executive Director of the Sacramento Transporation Authority, she orchestrated the programming and administration of a $4-billion program, demonstrating her adeptness in navigating complex funding landscapes and fostering stakeholder engagements.
With over two decades of hands-on experience in engineering and public sector leadership, Sabrina brings invaluable insights to the table, particularly in the realms of project development, tax measures, and diverse transportation funding mechanisms. Her unwavering dedication to advancing transportation initiatives underscores her pivotal role in driving impactful change within the industry.
Chad Drago, PE, QSD, Operations/Engineering Manager
Chad features a distinguished career spanning two decades in civil engineering, thriving within dynamic, meticulously organized environments. Throughout his journey, Chad has played a central role in steering numerous transformative projects, ranging from vital hydrologic and hydraulic studies to intricate water, sewer, and effluent plans. His expertise extends across diverse domains, including residential land development, roadway design, commercial site development, airport architecture and runway design, and pioneering solar energy projects. Known for his self-motivated demeanor and exceptional leadership skills, Chad is celebrated for his pragmatic approach to project management, emphasizing constructability and fostering a comprehensive project vision. His breadth of knowledge across various civil engineering disciplines and construction methodologies enriches the collaborative endeavors of the engineering teams he engages with, adding a significant dimension to project execution and success.
Melanie Boyd, HR/Finance Manager
With a multi-decade career in providing human resources and financial direction for small entrepreneurial businesses, Melanie brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team. Holding a BS in Dental Hygiene and being a Certified Financial Planner, Melanie has successfully bridged the gap between healthcare and financial management. Malanie's career is distinguished by a strong focus on developing and enhancing internal organizational structures and driving strategic financial planning. In her role as the HR Manager, Melanie oversees the development and implementation of human resources policies and initiatives, ensuring a supportive and productive work environment. Her diverse background and dedication to excellence ensure that Drago Vantage's HR and financial operations are streamlined and effective, fostering a robust foundation for growth and success.
Patricia Rosenberg, Office Manager
Patricia is a dedicated office manager with over two decades of experience in administrative support and office coordination. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in streamlining productivity and enhancing office communications. Patricia's expertise in meticulously organizing office operations has consistently led to improved functions and a more efficient workplace, making her an invaluable asset to our team.
Marie Fiore, Communications Manager
Marie Fiore is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in public sector business administration, strategic communications, media relations, and community engagement. With a global educational background, including studies in Beijing, Shanghai, and Switzerland, she brings a unique, innovative approach to her work. Marie has successfully led large-scale events, crafted creative crisis strategies, and developed impactful marketing initiatives across diverse media platforms. In her role as Communications Manager at King County, WA, she led communications efforts for over 900 employees, developed comprehensive plans, and enhanced public engagement through multi-media content. Her previous experience at Sacramento County Airport System further demonstrates her leadership and expertise in managing teams through large capital projects, change management, driving business growth, and improving customer engagement, making her a dynamic force in organizational success.
Adam Stephenson, Transportation Planning Manager
Adam Stephenson is a seasoned transportation planner with 18 years of experience across federal, state, and local agencies. Throughout his career, Adam has led complex projects and initiatives, including decision-making roles for surface transportation grant programs and the delivery of critical funding and approvals for capital projects. He arrives at Drago Vantage after serving as a Deputy Executive Officer at LA Metro, where he led a team that oversaw a diverse range of grant programs and assisted local agencies in acquiring funding for capital projects. Before LA Metro, Adam worked for FTA Region 9 and Headquarters, helping transit agencies fund and navigate the complex delivery process for major infrastructure projects like the Tex Rail Double Tracking Project and Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor. At Drago Vantage, Adam will utilize his extensive experience in transportation funding strategy, environmental policy, and government compliance and oversight to help our clients pursue highly competitive funding sources and facilitate successful project delivery.
Phil Wright, Transportation Planner/Funding Strategist
Phil is a planner with experience in communications and grant writing tailored to the transportation industry and transportation planning for a variety of modes. His passion for planning comes from a deep respect for the built environment and the unseen ways it impacts our day-to-day lives as well as social, economic, and environmental systems. Throughout his career, Phil has demonstrated a knack for multidisciplinary collaboration, effectively leveraging available resources and aligning talents to deliver high-quality deliverables for a range of clients and projects. He has provided expertise and knowledge in transportation planning, GIS-based analysis, grant writing, and public engagement efforts to support state and local agencies in envisioning more sustainable and equitable transportation networks. Phil's experience and planning knowledge complement Drago Vantage’s professionally diverse team and expand the firm’s ability to creatively address our client’s unique, context-specific transportation challenges.
Preston Wong, Transportation Planner
Preston is a recent graduate of the University of California, Irvine, with a degree in Social Policy & Public Service and a minor in Urban Studies. His experience includes working as an Active Transportation Intern at the Orange County Transportation Authority, where he contributed to various active transportation projects, programs, and initiatives. Preston is skilled in using industry-standard software such as ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and RStudio, and has experience with tools like the Transportation Injury Management System (TIMS) and CalEnviroScreen. With strong writing and research abilities, Preston is committed to being a resourceful and dependable team member, dedicated to advancing sustainable transportation solutions.