Colonel George Washington Goethals (1858-1928) was appointed Chairman and Chief Engineer of the Isthmian Canal Commission in 1907. Detailed from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Goethals brought experience in a number of large projects, including bridges and hydraulic engineering. Fears that his military background would be at odds with the civilian work force were unfounded, although the project did progress with a quasi-military discipline and efficiency. Some of the most challenging work — completion of the excavations and construction of the locks and Gatun Dam — took place during Goethals's administration. Under his leadership, the project was completed six months ahead of schedule and $23 million below budget.