News

Congratulations to Justin Messner and Shawn Poe | APWA Board Elections

We are thrilled to share two exciting updates for our staff. Justin Messner and Shawn Poe have both been elected to support their APWA board chapters.  

Justin Messner has been elected to the APWA-MN Board of Directors in the Consultant Director position for the 2026–2027 term. This achievement reflects Justin’s dedication to advancing public works and supporting the APWA-MN community. 

Shawn Poe has been re-elected to the Colorado Chapter APWA Board of Directors for another two-year term. Shawn will continue serving as a Director, a role he has held for the past two years. He is grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Colorado APWA members.

Congratulations to both on these incredible achievements.  

WSB Promotes Mohamed Elyazgi to Director, Transportation Design

The firm is strengthening leadership in Oklahoma through the promotion of Elyazgi. 

Oklahoma City, Okla– WSB, an engineering and consulting firm, today announced the promotion of Mohamed Elyazgi to director, transportation design. Elyazgi now oversees roadway design operations across its Oklahoma offices in Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa. 

Mohamed Elyazgi joined WSB in 2021 and has been instrumental in managing complex transportation projects across the state. With over a decade of experience at Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and an established background as a project manager, Elyazgi brings deep expertise and leadership to this role. 

“I’m excited to dive into the numbers behind our processes,” said Elyazgi. “Our goal is to improve efficiency, embrace advancing technology, and continue delivering excellence for our clients.” 

Caleb Austin, vice president of transportation, added, “Mohamed is an exceptional engineer who commands respect from his team. His calm, steady leadership and passion for collaboration make him the perfect choice to lead our Oklahoma design operations.” 

This promotion reflects WSB’s commitment to expanding its leadership and strengthening its team in Oklahoma. By investing in talented professionals like Elyazgi and enhancing its presence across the state, the firm is reinforcing its dedication to supporting local communities and advancing transportation infrastructure.  

TH 169 Redefine Elk River Project Wins APWA-MN Project of the Year

We’re proud to announce that the TH 169 Redefine Elk River Project has been awarded Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association – Minnesota Chapter (APWA-MN)! 

This award recognizes projects that exemplify excellence in public works through innovation, collaboration, and community impact. The TH 169 Redefine Elk River Project transformed a critical corridor, improving safety, mobility, and connectivity for thousands of travelers each day. 

The award was presented at the APWA-MN Fall Conference on November 20 at Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake.  

Thank you to our partners, stakeholders, and community for making this achievement possible. Together, we’re redefining what’s possible in transportation infrastructure. 

Rachel Scheu Awarded 2025 Young Engineer of the Year

Rachel Scheu, Professional Engineer I in WSB’s Municipal division, has been named the 2025 Young Engineer of the Year by MFESTS. This prestigious award highlights Rachel’s dedication to innovation, professional excellence, and community involvement. 

WSB is thrilled to see Rachel Scheu recognized for the impact she’s making in the engineering community. 

Read more about MFESTS and the award: mfests.org 

WSB Promotes Craig Alberg to Vice President of Contract Administration

This promotion allows the firm to better support its staff, clients, and growth opportunities in the Midwest.  

Minneapolis, Minn.— WSB, a fast-growing design, consulting and engineering firm, announced today the promotion of Craig Alberg to vice president of contract administration. Alberg previously served as director of contract administration for the Metro Region and brings more than 20 years of experience in construction administration, project management, and quality oversight. 

In his new role, Craig Alberg will oversee contract administration operations across Minnesota, the Dakotas, Iowa, and Wisconsin. This promotion reflects WSB’s commitment to building a more efficient and scalable structure to support continued growth across the Midwest. 

“Craig’s leadership, organizational skills, and deep industry knowledge make him uniquely qualified to take on this expanded role,” said Mike Rief, senior vice president of construction. “He’s the kind of leader who can consistently manage demanding responsibilities. Craig’s extensive experience, integrity and strategic vision enable him to guide teams through complex challenges and deliver results that exceed expectations.” 

Alberg’s promotion initiates a strategic restructuring of WSB’s contract administration group, designed to improve support for staff and clients while enabling future expansion. He will  absorb oversight of not only additional areas in Minnesota, but also four additional states in the region. 

“I’m honored to step into this role and help shape the future of our contract administration team,” said Alberg. “WSB’s growth presents exciting opportunities, and I look forward to building a structure that supports our people and our mission.” 

WSB Strengthens Digital Construction Management Through Strategic Partnership with HeadLight

Defining the Future of Model-Centric Design and Construction Management

Minneapolis, MINN. — WSB LLC (“WSB”), a forward-thinking engineering and consulting firm specializing in infrastructure, environmental, and construction services, is advancing its industry-leading Digital Construction Management (DCM) solution by integrating best-in-class technology partner HeadLight into its comprehensive offering.  WSB has been a client and user of HeadLight and is now moving to a partnership agreement.

DCM is powered by our nationally recognized staff who put strategic technology partnerships to work—including Bentley SYNCHRO, 4M Analytics, and now HeadLight. This seamless blend of people and proven tools enables us to deliver an exceptional product for clients across the country. Solidifying WSB’s position as the trusted go-to firm for model-centric design and construction management.

“DCM is a WSB solution built to deliver results through best-in-class technology and partnerships,” said Andy Kaiyala, Vice President, Digital Construction Management at WSB. “By integrating HeadLight’s field data capture platform, we’re expanding our ability to provide clients with a singular access point for all project data. This approach reinforces our open data philosophy—putting the right data in the hands of the right people, when they need it most, so they can make proactive business decisions.”

HeadLight’s platform empowers teams to capture what’s happening in the field and bring that information to all stakeholders and partners. “It’s all about the data,” said Benjamin Young, Strategic Partnership Lead at HeadLight.  “The flexibility of the HeadLight platform enables WSB to align DCM with each project and owner’s specific requirements – seamlessly integrating data, workflows, and reporting into one solution. Together we’re expanding what DCM can deliver and setting a new standard for data-driven infrastructure delivery.”

WSB’s DCM solution, now enhanced with integrated access to HeadLight, is uniquely positioned to meet the evolving needs of the civil construction industry. This bundled approach delivers enhanced efficiency, transparency, and safety for project owners, engineering firms, contractors, and materials suppliers.

WSB Hires Randy Hebb as Director, Financial Planning & Analysis

The firm hired Hebb to support its expansion.  

Minneapolis, Minn.— WSB, a design and consulting firm specializing in engineering, environmental, and construction services, today announced the hiring of Randy Hebb as director of financial planning & analysis, a newly created role designed to support the firm’s continued growth and operational excellence. 

Randy Hebb brings more than 25 years of experience in finance, project management, and business optimization. He spent 22 years at Lifetouch, where he held various finance roles, most recently serving as director of finance supporting field-based operations. Most recently, Hebb served as head of financial planning & analysis at Marsden Services, where he oversaw financial strategy for the integrated facility services and mechanical divisions, including large-scale construction projects. 

At WSB, Hebb will lead financial planning, annual budgeting, and forecasting. He will also support acquisition and integration efforts, while driving business optimization across the organization. 

“Randy’s depth of experience in financial planning and analysis, especially within complex and growing organizations, made him the ideal candidate for this role,” said James Bainbridge, WSB’s chief financial officer. “He understands where we’re headed and brings the strategic mindset and collaborative approach that will help us get there.” 

Hebb said he was drawn to WSB’s mission and momentum. “I was impressed by WSB’s growth trajectory and the way the firm makes a real difference in the places we live and work,” said Hebb. “The mission is relatable, the reputation is strong, and I’m excited to be part of a team that’s building what’s next.” 

WSB appoints Ian Hatfield as director, utility solutions & remote sensing 

Industry veteran to lead new service line focused on utility innovation and remote sensing integration. 

Minneapolis, Minn.— WSB, a leading design and consulting firm in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, announced today the appointment of Ian Hatfield as director of utility solutions & remote sensing. Hatfield will lead the development of a new service line focused on advancing how utilities manage, inspect, and understand their infrastructure. 

Hatfield has more than 25 years of experience across surveying, GIS, right of way, vegetation management, utility design, aviation operations, and remote sensing. Most recently, he served as chief operating officer, where he oversaw aerial data and inspection projects using fixed-wing, rotorcraft, and UAS platforms for LiDAR, thermal, RGB, and infrared inspections supporting major utilities across North America. 

At WSB, Hatfield will integrate geospatial intelligence, utility operations expertise, and advanced remote sensing technologies to deliver data-driven solutions that enhance grid reliability, asset management, and decision-making for electric, gas, and oil utilities. 

“This role is about more than technology—it’s about integrating people, processes, and platforms to deliver comprehensive utility solutions that evolve with our clients’ needs,” said Hatfield. “WSB’s strong foundation in engineering and infrastructure innovation makes it the ideal place to build this vision. I’m excited to collaborate with WSB’s talented teams and shape the future of utility modernization.” 

Kyle Klasen, vice president of construction, emphasized the strategic importance of the appointment. “Ian was selected for his deep industry knowledge and proven leadership, and his expertise will be instrumental in building a service line that captures market share and drives innovation. This is a huge opportunity for growth, and we’re excited to see where it leads.” 

WSB ranks #11 on Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal Fast 50

On Thursday, October 23, the Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal (MSPBJ) announced their 2025 Fast 50 List, an exclusive ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in the Twin Cities. Landing at #11, WSB soared 25 spots up the list with a growth rate of 124.28%.

The Fast 50 awards recognize the region’s 50 fastest-growing, privately held, for profit companies. To be eligible for the Fast 50, companies must show year-over-year revenue growth for each of the past three completed fiscal years, be headquartered in the Twin Cities 24-county metro area and have revenue of at least $1 million in the first fiscal year.

Check out the Q&A with CEO, Bret Weiss and the MSPBJ announcement here: WSB soars up list of fastest-growing companies in the Twin Cities – Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal

WSB Announces Acquisition of Agbara Engineering

AGBARA STRENGTHENS WSB’S POWER / ENERGY SERVICES AND OFFERINGS

October 20, 2025

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. — WSB LLC (“WSB”), one of the nation’s fastest growing infrastructure engineering and consulting firms, today announced the acquisition of Agbara Engineering (“Agbara”), a forward-thinking power delivery engineering firm committed to powering progress and empowering communities. The strategic addition of Agbara enhances the firm’s ability to support the full lifecycle of energy infrastructure for existing and new clients.

“The acquisition of Agbara Engineering marks a pivotal moment in WSB’s journey to build a national energy practice,” said Bret Weiss, WSB’s president and chief executive officer. “Agbara’s deep expertise in transmission, distribution, and substation design perfectly complements our existing capabilities and allows us to deliver more comprehensive, future-focused solutions to our clients. Together, we’re not just expanding our services—we’re empowering our teams, strengthening our culture, and positioning WSB as a leader in the power/energy space. I’m incredibly excited about what we’ll build together.”

The acquisition of Agbara brings more than 50 employees into WSB. Combined, WSB operates from over 50 offices with nearly 1,600 employees nationwide to serve its clients across the government, commercial and energy markets.

“Joining WSB is an exciting step forward for Agbara Engineering,” said Jamil Newell, founder and chief executive officer of Agbara. “We’ve always believed in engineering with purpose, and now we have the opportunity to scale that impact alongside a firm that shares our values and vision. This partnership gives our clients access to expanded services and deeper resources, while our staff gain new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and innovation. Together, we’re building something bigger—an energy/power practice that’s positioned to lead and evolve with the future.”

WSB and Agbara will unify their market strategy as WSB in early 2026. This marks WSB’s fifth acquisition in two years, having recently acquired EST, AE Engineering, Meshek & Associates, and CAS Consulting & Services, expanding WSB’s expertise across transportation, engineering, water resources, and construction management.