Mr. Khataw is the Founder and President of Encotech Engineering Consultants, a Central Texas boutique MEP and Structural engineering firm that delivers professional services ranging from design to consulting. Ali has steered the firm with integrity and long-term vision, forging lasting relationships that now make Encotech one of the main features in Central Texas’ engineering landscape.

As Encotech’s Principal in Charge, Mr. Khataw holds overall accountability for every project, facilitates all contract negotiations on behalf of the firm, and is responsible for the quality service provided by the Encotech team. Mr. Khataw is highly knowledgeable of the City of Austin’s requirements and issues, and he offers expert input and guidance to project team members. His sustained commitment to excellence reached a significant milestone in 2016 when Mr. Khataw was awarded the Engineer of the Year Award by the Travis Chapter of The Texas Board of Engineers. This award was not only a recognition of his values and vision but an acknowledgment of his imprint on the city and his extensive community involvement.

As a young child, Mr. Khataw learned from his grandfather that gifting a blanket to someone spending the cold winter in the streets went beyond delivering the object itself and included the kindness of draping it gently over that person’s body, should they be sleeping. This early exposure to empathy and the gifts of giving is what motivates Mr. Khataw’s deep commitment to business and community involvement: “As someone who began as an immigrant to the United States, and ended up living the American dream, I feel I must give back to the community. My goal is to make a lasting and positive impact everywhere I am involved.”

A native Pakistani. Mr. Khataw graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He then began a prosperous professional career in engineering based on the principle that “I deliver what I promise, and customer service is always at the top of my list.” Throughout his career, many of Ali’s projects and professional achievements have been acknowledged as outstanding. Still, his induction to the Cockrell School of Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni in 2019 remains a highlight of his proudest moments.

Ali is very active in the community giving his time to more than a dozen nonprofit and community organizations. He focuses his passion on bringing people from all walks of life together and giving back to the community. His love of travel and photography led him to fall in love with the concept of photo-philanthropy. He regularly donates pictures he takes all over the world to auctions supporting local charities. Most recently, the NGO SOS Village in Tanzania benefitted from such efforts and built water wells for their communities with the proceeds of the pictures. The Citizens Foundation, which makes schools for boys and girls in Pakistan, is a cause close to his heart: “Education is what got me here and has allowed me to give back to so many. Supporting them feels like a sacred compromise for me”. This vision and enthusiasm keep Mr. Khataw engaged in more than a dozen business and community organizations.

Mr. Khataw likes to affirm that his real success in business has been putting together and mentoring a solid group of collaborators, many of whom have been with the company for decades. Therefore, no one was surprised when in 2021, his team voted Encotech as one of the Best Places to Work, an award sponsored by the Austin Business Journal

Encotech Engineering Consultants, Inc.
President & CEO (1990 – Present)
Mr. Khataw is the President & CEO for this boutique engineering firm. Encotech specializes in the design of commercial, institutional, governmental and industrial buildings, as well as infrastructure projects. Encotech was founded in 1990 as a single person operation and has grown to 35 employees. The company is one of the most prestigious firms in the area today. As President & CEO, Mr. Khataw is the project principal for company projects.

Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce
2022 Board Chair Elect, Board of Directors Member (2009 – 2012; 2016 – Present)
As Board Chair Elect, Mr. Khataw acts as a community involvement advocate for local issues, and promotes and supports the chambers economic development.

Austin Area Research Organization
Board of Directors Member (Present), Chair of Member Relations Committee (2019), Member (2011 – Present)
Austin Area Research Organization (AARO) is a membership organization of community leaders committed to the economic and social well-being of Central Texas including the issues of Education, Energy, Health Care, Higher Education, Leadership, Social Equity, Transportation, and Water.

E3 Alliance
Immediate Past Chairman (2021, Board of Directors Member (2017 – Present)
E3 Alliance is a regional, data-driven education collaborative based in Austin, Texas. We are helping to build the strongest educational pipeline in the country to drive regional economic prosperity. E3 engages businesses and nonprofits, 15 school districts, eight institutions of higher education and policy leaders across Central Texas to address complex community issues in education.

KUT
Media Advisory Board Member (2016 – Present)
The KUT Public Media Advisory Board provides advice and support to further the public service and educational objectives of the station, as well as, strengthening relationships with the community it serves.

Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce
Chair Emeritus (2014 – Present), Former Chairman of the Board (2008 – 2012), Board of Directors Member (2004 – Present) Chair of Advisory Board (Present)
Mr. Khataw is responsible for directing the chamber leadership in various activities to increase sponsorships, develop business contacts, recruit members, garner publicity for the chamber, and promote business development initiatives to further the success of area businesses. He was also responsible for facilitating the successful merger of two Asian chambers, the Austin Asian American Chamber of Commerce, and the Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce. These two organizations combined to form the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce.

Leadership Austin
Chair (2017) Board of Directors Member (2011 – 2020)
Leadership Austin was founded by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce with the mission of providing leadership training to those with a passion for Greater Austin. Leadership programs offer skill-building, issue-focused leadership training for every stage in an individual’s leadership career. Mr. Khataw is responsible for ensuring that the program remains competitive and valuable to the Austin community.

Early Matters Greater Austin
Steering Committee Member (2018 – Present)
The United Way for Greater Austin and E3 Alliance formed Early Matters Greater Austin to facilitate the business community’s engagement in the critical issue of child learning by raising awareness and helping lead a strategic community-wide effort to set policies and priorities.

Early Matters Greater Austin, Family-Friendly Workplace Toolkit
Steering EMGA created the “Family-Friendly Workplace Toolkit” as a resource outlining evidence-based practices employer can implement to attract and retain skilled employees, as well as providing relevant local resources for employees and their families. Family-friendly policies can help families build safe, stable and nurturing environments for their young children. The Family-Friendly Toolkit is endorsed by the Austin Chamber of Commerce.

The New Philanthropists Mentors of Color
Board Member (2019 – Present)
Board Mentors of Color program supports new and experienced board members of color by matching them with established community leaders as mentors and provides opportunities to develop community leadership skills, build & deepen community relationships and gain support in navigating Austin nonprofit boards. Over the course of 2019, program participants are matched with mentors in a group mentoring model meet 4-6 times a year and deepen their relationships with established community leaders.

Photojournalist / Photo Philanthropy
Ali Khataw Photography (1975 – Present)
Mr. Khataw’s desire to help others and use art to make a difference has inspired him to delve into the world of Photo Philanthropy. Images have an undeniable power. His desire is to harness this power and use it to better the conditions of living for those in the world who are not lucky enough to enjoy the luxuries many of us have been blessed with.

The President’s Council for Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas
President’s Council (2019 – Present)
Ascension, Ascension Seton and Seton Foundations share the same Mission, Vision and Values. They are foundational to the work to transform healthcare, and they express our priorities when providing care and services, particularly to those most in need. “Our mission inspires us to care for and improve the health of those we serve with a special concern for the sick and the poor. We are called to be a sign of God’s unconditional love for all and believe that all persons by their creation are endowed with dignity.”

Mayor Adler’s Task Force on Institutional Racism & Systemic Inequalities
Member (2016 – 2020)
Austin Mayor Steve Adler formed this group to explore actions and solutions for addressing past and present structural inequities and systemic racism in various institutions across the city.

Texas Exes
Lifetime Member University of Texas alumni association)

University of Texas Division of Diversity and Community Engagement
Advisory Board Member (2014 – Present)
The Division of Diversity and Community Engagement (DDCE) is committed to advancing a learning and working environment that is equitable and accessible to all individuals. DDCE works to accomplish this goal by leveraging the University’s intellectual resources to cultivate mutually beneficial partnerships that address significant issues in Texas communities.

Indian American Coalition of Texas
Advisory Board Member (2014 – Present)
The Indian American Coalition of Texas (IACT) is a non-partisan organization in Central Texas. IACT hopes to Educate, Engage, and Empower the Indian American community about issues related to political and civic engagement. Through various resources, programs and initiatives, IACT strives to provide a voice of Indian Americans to the Austin and Central Texas community.

Drawing Lines
Advisory Board Member (2014 – 2016)
Drawing Lines is an organization developed to investigate the role of artists in the historic transformation of Austin’s political system. Drawing Lines embeds artists in each of the ten newly drawn districts to explores how art itself, as a process, can be part of the conversation about Austin’s newly restructured political system.

SightsUnseen
Board of Directors, Secretary (2013 – 2016)
SightsUnseen is focused on the distribution of adjustable eye glasses and educating the public on the need for vision correction in the developing world.

Project Connect – Mayor Lee Leffingwell’s Central Corridor Advisory Group
Advisory Board Member (2013 – 2014)
Mr. Khataw advised the vision for Central Texas’ high-capacity transit system, endorsed by the Transit Working Group, as a subcommittee of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO).

EB5 Initiative – Mayor Lee Leffingwell’s Advisory Group
Advisory Board Member (2013 – 2014)
Mr. Khataw was a member of Mayor Lee Leffingwell’s EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Advisory Committee with State Representative Eddie Rodriquez. The members are made up of business and city leaders who worked to attract foreign investment in the creation of local green jobs through sustainable projects.

American Institute of Architects – Austin Chapter
Board of Directors Member (2011 – 2014)
AIA has been the leading professional membership association for licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners since 1857. Mr. Khataw has the honor of becoming the first engineer to be elected to the Board of Directors for AIA Austin.

Goodwill Industries of Central Texas
Board of Directors (2011 – 2014)
As a member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Khataw was involved in promoting Goodwill’s mission of providing job related services and opportunities for people with barriers to employment.,/p>

Travis County Central Health
Steering Committee Member (2010 – 2014)
Central Health’s mission is to make communities stronger by finding an effective and rational solution to quality health care for the underserved. As a Committee Member, Mr. Khataw helped to improve access to and delivery of health care to Travis County residents.

Texas Federation of Asian American Chambers of Commerce
Chairman of the Board (2012 – 2013) Board of Directors Member (2008 – 2013)
Mr. Khataw represents the Austin Asian American Chamber of Commerce in this statewide federation. This organization works with business leaders throughout Texas to positively impact the State’s Asian business community.

The Salvation Army
Advisory Board Member (2009 – 2011)
The mission of The Salvation Army is to meet human needs without discrimination. They assist communities through a variety of programs such as providing a safety net for the basic survival needs of the homeless population, clothing and household donation drives, hunger relief and housing services.

First Night Austin
Board of Directors Member (2005 – 2007) First Night Austin is a non-profit organization that works to reflect the ethnic, racial, social, cultural, artistic and intellectual diversity of the greater Austin community. Mr. Khataw directed staff and volunteers in the planning and organization of this annual event, as well as coordinated logistics with vendors and the Executive Committee.

Honors & Awards
2020 Volunteer of the Year for Regional Mobility, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce Mr. Khataw was selected as the Regional Mobility volunteer for his dedication and support to the Chamber on this effort.
2020 Peace Award from the Dialogue Institute, Austin, Texas
2019 UT at Austin Academy of Distinguished Alumni Inductee
Mr. Khataw was recognized by The Cockrell School of Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin for his leadership and many professional and civic contributions
2017 The Sultan and the Saint Award
Unity Productions Foundation Presented to Ali Khataw for his compassionate service beyond his faith.
2016 Engineer of the Year – Texas Society of Professional Engineers (Travis Chapter) Mr. Khataw was recognized by the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (Travis Chapter) for his leadership and many professional and civic contributions.
2014 FBI Citizens Academy Program (Austin Resident Agency) U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation – Lifetime member.
2014 City of Austin Distinguished Service Award – City of Austin The Distinguished Service Award was awarded to Mr. Khataw’s for his commitment, collaborate efforts, and valuable input as a member of the Central Corridor Advisory Group.
2013 BAGA Award Asia Business Leadership Award – Bangladesh Association Greater Austin 2013 Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce – Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce Mr. Khataw received this award for facilitating the successful merger of two Asian chambers, the Austin Asian American Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce into the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce. These two organizations combined to form the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce.
2011 Community Leadership Circle Award – The University of Texas at Austin, Division of Diversity & Community Engagement 2010 “Out and About 500” – Austin Business Journal 2009 Leading AAACC to a New Era and Dedicated Service to the Asian Community – Network of Asian American Organizations (NAAO)

Firm Honors & Awards
2017 and 2007 Small Business of the Year City of Austin Department of Small and Minority Business Resources
2016 Certification of Excellence
UT Austin Office of HUB Development – For participation in UT System Mentor-Protege Program
2016 Commercial Real Estate Awards – Industrial Development Winner Consolidated Rental Car Facility at ABIA
2016 Commercial Real Estate Awards – Retail Developer Winner Rock Rose at the Domain 2016 Green Business Leaders — Gold Level Status
City of Austin – Office of Sustainability
2016 US Green Building Council LEED Silver Certification
Consolidated Rental Car Facility at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport
2015 Green Business Leaders — Gold Level Status
City of Austin – Office of Sustainability
2014 Engineering Excellence Gold Medal Award – American Council of Engineering Companies of Texas
Encotech Engineering Consultants received the 2014 American Council of Engineering Companies of Texas (ACEC) Engineering Excellence Gold Medal Award for the HVAC system design of the Zach Topfer Theatre. The award was received for Encotech’s design of the theater’s Displacement Ventilation Distribution Systems. The design allowed the HVAC system to cool a 26,195 square foot, 420 seat space in the middle of summer, while doing so silently and energy efficiently. The Gold Medal Award was presented to Encotech for the HVAC Systems – Small Firm category.
2014 Small Business Award from the Office of the Governor and the Texas Workforce Commission
State of Texas & The Texas Workforce Commission
2012 Engineering Excellence Gold Medal Award Winner – American Council of Engineering Companies of Texas
Encotech Engineering Consultants received the 2012 American Council of Engineering Companies of Texas (ACEC) Engineering Excellence Gold Medal Award for the structural redesign of the City of Austin’s Waller Creek Pedestrian Bridge. The Waller Creek Pedestrian Bridge was the initial component and first visible sign of the massive storm water management improvements to the southern, urbanized twelve blocks of Waller Creek’s path through the heart of Austin to Lady Bird Lake. The Gold Medal Award was presented to Encotech for the Structural Systems – Small Firm category.
2012 Healthiest Employers of Central Texas Award – Austin Business Journal
2011 Asian American Business of the Year – Texas Business Symposium – Network of Asian American Organization
2011 Communications Award for Best Brochure – Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Austin
2010 Best Neighborhood Dream Realized – Austin Chronicle
Awarded for the City of Austin’s Twin Oaks Branch Library design.
2008 Austin Business Journal Best Real Estate Award – Austin Business Journal
Awarded for The Hollows Master Planned Community.
2007 Austin Business Journal Best Real Estate Awards – Austin Business Journal
Awarded for the Escarpment Village Retail Center and Austin Convention Center Garage & Austin Energy District Cooling Plant.
2006 Texas Society of Architects Design Award – Texas Society of Architects
Awarded for the design of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s Government Canyon Visitor Center.

Speeches, Presentations and Articles
2021 “Community engagement in challenging times” article by Ali Khataw
Published by the Austin Business Journal Leadership Trust
2020 “Community engagement as part of a business plan” article by Ali Khataw
Blog post for the GACC website
2019 E3 Alliance together with The Dana Center hosting CTX Math Summit
Ali Khataw Guest at Panel Discussion. “Math and Me” discussion on how math prepared me for my career as an engineer and how I use math in everyday life
2019 Early Matters Greater Austin, Family Friendly Workplace, Ali Khataw Speaker
Presentation of EMGA Family Friendly project as part of the Success By 6 Coalition work.
2018 Asian Community Speaker Panel and Discussion with Ali Khataw
Informational presentation given to the Asian community interested in Board Service
2018 Austin Young Chamber Speaker Series – Ali Khataw Presented by Texas MBA and Texas MSTC
Presentation of life overview and importance of community outreach and service
2018 OPAL Presents Asian Entrepreneurship Panel – Ali Khataw Guest at Speaker Panel
Discussion on Asian entrepreneurships and startups
2017 “10 Reasons Austin Needs a Bigger Convention Center” editorial opinion by Ali Khataw and Tam Hawkins
Published by the Austin Business Journal
2017 “A Call for Stewardship” article written by Ali Khataw as Board Chair of Leadership Austin
Austin Realtor – January/February Edition
2017 McNeil High School Engineering Club – Presenter and Judge Ali Khataw
Engineering Career Field Overview presentation given to high school students and judge for engineering competition.