News

WSB leaders recognized on Journal Record’s 2026 Engineering Power List 

May 15, 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — WSB is proud to announce that four staff leaders have been recognized on The Journal Record’s inaugural 2026 Leaders in Engineering Power List: Allison Whitsitt, Darin Metzer, Matias Mendez and Paul Poynter. The list honors professionals advancing engineering in Oklahoma through leadership, expertise and community impact. 

• Allison Whitsitt, director of emergency management, WSB 
  A nationally recognized emergency management expert, Whitsitt brings extensive public-sector experience to engineering projects, helping Oklahoma communities reduce risk, secure mitigation funding and build lasting resilience. 
• Darin Metzer, director of materials, WSB 
  By directing materials testing systems for major infrastructure projects, Metzer shapes engineering decisions statewide and directly influences long-term performance and public safety. 
• Matias Mendez, PhD, PE, director of geotechnical and pavement services, WSB 
  Mendez integrates research, practice and professional service to push geotechnical and pavement engineering forward, shaping standards and approaches used on projects nationwide. 
• Paul Poynter, vice president of structures, WSB 
  Through the design of durable bridge and structural systems, Poynter shapes Oklahoma’s transportation network while strengthening engineering judgment and technical leadership within his teams. 

Rick Johnson, vice president of operations at WSB, said the recognition reflects the strength of the firm’s leadership and its impact both locally and on the national stage. 

“This kind of recognition just confirms what we see every day,” Johnson said. “We’ve got outstanding talent right here in Oklahoma, and the leadership this group brings is making a real difference — not just across the state, but on projects nationwide. We’re proud of the work they do and the standards they set.” 

Learn more about WSB honorees Allison Whitsitt, Darin Metzer, Matias Mendez and Paul Poynter on The Journal Record’s website, where their leadership highlights WSB’s role in advancing engineering and supporting the communities it serves. 

WSB Announces Acquisition of Alta Science & Engineering

ALTA STRENGTHENS WSB’S ENVIRONMENTAL AND SCIENTIFIC CAPABILITIES

May 14, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. — WSB, one of the nation’s fastest‑growing design and consulting firms, today announced the acquisition of Alta Science & Engineering, Inc. (“Alta”), a well‑established science and engineering firm with more than 35 years of experience delivering environmental and infrastructure solutions across the western United States. 

The acquisition of Alta strengthens WSB’s environmental and natural systems platform, expanding the firm’s ability to support public‑ and private‑sector clients facing complex environmental, regulatory, and infrastructure challenges. Alta brings deep expertise in environmental services, remediation and brownfields, site characterization and compliance, ecosystems and restoration, water resources, civil engineering, and data management and visualization. 

“The acquisition of Alta Science & Engineering represents a strategic investment in the continued growth of WSB’s environmental capabilities,” said Bret Weiss, WSB’s president and chief executive officer. “Alta is widely respected for its scientific excellence, thoughtful problem‑solving, and people‑first culture. Their expertise complements our existing services and strengthens our ability to deliver integrated, science‑based solutions for our clients. Just as important, our two firms share a common set of values—collaboration, integrity, and a commitment to making a positive impact on communities. We are very happy to be entering the Pacific Northwest with this long-standing, successful organization.” 

Alta has more than 60 employees and operates from four offices located in Idaho and Washington. With this acquisition, WSB continues to expand its multidisciplinary team while strengthening its presence in key environmental and natural resource markets. Today, WSB operates from more than 50 offices with approximately 1,700 employees nationwide, serving clients across government, commercial, and infrastructure markets. 

“Joining WSB marks an exciting next chapter for Alta Science & Engineering,” said Derek Forseth, chief executive officer of Alta. “From the beginning, Alta has believed that quality science and engineering—guided by strong human values—can make a meaningful difference. Partnering with WSB allows us to build on that foundation while offering our clients access to broader resources and integrated expertise. For our staff, this partnership creates new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and long‑term career development within a like‑minded organization.” 

WSB and Alta will work together to integrate their services and develop a coordinated go‑to‑market approach in 2026. This marks WSB’s seventh acquisition in three years and further expands WSB’s expertise across environmental services, remediation, water resources, ecosystem restoration, and project management. 

WSB operates as a portfolio company of GHK Capital Partners LP (“GHK”), a leading middle market private equity firm focused on making control investments in industrial companies across North America. For more information about GHK, visit www.GHK.com. 

Morrissey Goodale, a specialized management consulting and research firm exclusively serving the architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting industries, initiated the transaction and advised Alta Science & Engineering, Inc. 

WSB Team Members Recognized During Houston Engineers Week 

May 13, 2026

During Houston Engineers Week, WSB team members were recognized for their leadership, service, and contributions to the engineering profession. 

Luis Dinarte received the Houston Hispanic Architects and Engineers 2026 Young Engineer of the Year, and Oswald Omoijiade was honored with the National Society of Black Engineers – Houston Professionals 2026 Young Engineer of the Year Award. These recognitions highlight their dedication to advancing the profession and making a meaningful impact on the Houston community. 

Earlier this year, Neyra Linares was also honored with the Past President Recognition Award from the Houston Hispanic Architects and Engineers (HHAE). This recognition reflects her service as the organization’s 2025 President and her ongoing commitment to supporting and strengthening the organization. 

These achievements demonstrate the strength of WSB’s people and their continued impact both professionally and within the communities they serve. 

Opportunity Crossing Receives Community Impact Award at 2026 ReScape Awards 

May 7, 2026

Opportunity Crossing has been recognized as the Large Project Winner for the Community Impact Award at the 2026 ReScape Awards presented by the Minnesota Brownfields. Located in Minneapolis, the project was honored for its positive impact on the community and its role in advancing meaningful development. 

This achievement reflects a strong partnership between WSB and our client, Project for Pride in Living (PPL), alongside a collaborative team that includes Landmark Environmental, the City of Minneapolis, the Metropolitan Council, the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, Winthrop & Weinstine, Hennepin County, and DEED. 

The award celebrates the collective effort behind Opportunity Crossing and highlights what can be accomplished through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and a shared commitment to community impact. 

WSB promotes Ben Maurer to chief marketing officer

May 5, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — WSB announced today that Ben Maurer has been promoted to chief marketing officer, recognizing his eight years of leadership and impact within the firm. 

During his tenure as vice president of marketing and communications, Maurer has led the evolution of the firm’s marketing and communications division, helping position WSB for growth, strengthening brand consistency across markets, and supporting the firm through periods of expansion and change. His leadership has been instrumental in aligning marketing strategy with WSB’s business objectives and long‑term vision. In addition, he has overseen and grown key client service areas including public engagement and grants and funding, ensuring responsive and innovative solutions that meet clients’ evolving needs. 

“Ben has been a trusted leader and strategic partner at WSB for many years,” said WSB president and CEO Bret Weiss. “His ability to connect our brand, our people, and our growth strategy has been critical to where we are today. Elevating Ben to chief marketing officer reflects both his contributions and the role marketing plays in our future.” 

Maurer has helped shape WSB’s marketing approach by aligning it with broader business objectives, ensuring consistency in messaging, and driving initiatives that support long-term growth. His influence has extended across divisions, fostering collaboration that enhances operational efficiency and strengthens the firm’s competitive position. His vision, adaptability, and commitment to innovation have positioned WSB for successful expansion and has established a solid foundation for continued evolution. 

“Stepping into this role is an exciting opportunity, and I’m energized by what’s ahead for WSB,” said Maurer. “I’m looking forward to working closely with teams across the firm to strengthen our brand, support continued growth, and shape strategy as we move forward.” 

In his new role as chief marketing officer, Maurer will work closely with the leadership team across WSB’s national footprint to support the firm’s continued growth strategy. In addition, he will continue to lead marketing, communications, sales enablement, public engagement, and grants and funding teams while continuing to expand his focus on mergers and acquisitions, enterprise strategy, and long-range brand and growth initiatives.  

Megan McDevitt, PE Named 2026 Young Engineer of the Year 

May 4, 2026

Megan McDevitt, Professional Engineer, was recently awarded the 2026 Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers (MnSPE) Young Engineer of the Year. This award is presented to Megan in recognition of her outstanding service to the engineering profession.  

“As Megan’s supervisor, I have seen firsthand her dedication to continuous learning and her commitment to elevating those around her,” said Michael Nelson-Ostrowski, PE. “She is a hard‑working professional who not only excels in her own responsibilities, but also takes initiative to mentor younger staff and their own development. Megan’s passion for engineering and leadership through collaboration exemplifies the qualities recognized by the Young Engineer of the Year Award, making her a perfect and well deserving candidate.” 

This is an incredible accomplishment for Megan in her career. We are proud to have her on staff. 

WSB promotes Justin Hansen to senior director, GIS; Paul Reinhart to director, proposals 

April 30, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — WSB, a fast-growing design and consulting firm, today announced the promotions of Justin Hansen to senior director, GIS, and Paul Reinhart to director, proposals.  

These promotions reflect WSB’s continued investment in leaders who build high-performing teams, strengthen collaboration across disciplines and support evolving client needs while positioning the firm for continued growth. 

In his expanded role, Hansen will continue leading WSB’s GIS strategy and delivery, supporting teams and clients with technology-enabled solutions that enhance data-driven planning, design and operations. Previously serving as director, GIS services, Hansen has played a key role in advancing GIS initiatives, expanding integration across service lines. 

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue growing with WSB and to lead alongside such a talented team,” Hansen said. “The success of our GIS program is truly a team effort. As we continue expanding into new regions, this role allows us to empower more GIS leaders across the firm while delivering innovative solutions that help our clients make informed decisions.” 

“Justin has consistently led beyond the expectations of his role,” said John Mackiewicz, vice president, technology. “He brings strong technical leadership, strategic vision and a deep commitment to mentoring others. This promotion recognizes the impact he’s had across WSB—from enterprise GIS and application development to expanding how GIS is integrated across our markets and service lines.” 

Reinhart will lead WSB’s proposals team as director, proposals, guiding priority pursuits and strengthening proposal development across all regions and disciplines. Previously serving as proposal manager, Reinhart has been instrumental in unifying what were once separate proposal efforts into a single, coordinated team supporting the entire firm. 

“I’m honored to step into this role and continue supporting the teams that are doing great work across WSB,” Reinhart said. “Our proposals group plays an important part in how we tell our story—bringing clarity, consistency and collaboration to every pursuit. Building a unified process—while still recognizing the needs of different markets—has been a rewarding journey, and I’m excited to continue evolving how we support the firm.” 

“This promotion recognizes his leadership and positions him to continue building a strong, connected proposals team aligned with WSB’s growth,” said Ben Maurer, vice president, marketing & communications. “He helped establish a consistent pursuit and proposal process at WSB, introduced clearer procedures and roles, and strengthened coordination across regions. That foundation puts us in a much stronger position as we grow, welcome new teams and explore efficiencies to support high-quality, client-focused pursuits.” 

WSB Recognized with 2026 ASLA‑MN Merit Award

April 30, 2026

Minneapolis, MN — WSB is proud to announce that the Mississippi Gateway Regional Park project has received a 2026 Merit Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects Minnesota Chapter (ASLA‑MN). The award recognizes the collaborative work completed for Three Rivers Park District and the City of Brooklyn Park, honoring excellence in landscape architecture within the General Design category. 

Located along a significant stretch of the Mississippi River corridor in Brooklyn Park, MN, Mississippi Gateway Regional Park represents more than a decade of planning, design, and implementation. The project reimagines a heavily used but long‑underinvested park into a cohesive regional destination that balances ecological restoration, public access, and inclusive recreation. 

WSB partnered closely with Three Rivers Park District beginning in 2015, assisting with an extensive master planning process rooted in community engagement. Over the course of more than 30 public meetings and stakeholder discussions, input from park users and residents helped shape a unified vision focused on reconnecting people to the Mississippi River, enhancing year‑round use, and protecting sensitive natural systems. Implementation followed from 2021 through 2025, with WSB remaining engaged from concept through construction. 

As prime consultant, WSB provided landscape architectural leadership for the full redevelopment of the park’s core areas. Key project elements include a new Gateway Center serving as both a visitor hub and nature center, an elevated Treetop Trail offering access to the forest canopy and river views, and a series of nature‑based play experiences designed to encourage exploration and learning. Additional improvements include the Mini‑Mississippi interactive water feature, expanded trail connectivity, new picnic shelters, an upgraded archery range with accessible lanes, an expanded dog off‑leash area, and the South Pond Learning Lab—an outdoor classroom and dock set within a floodplain pond ecosystem. 

The project required careful coordination and phasing to allow the park to remain open throughout construction. WSB worked closely with the client and project team to manage sequencing, adapt to post‑pandemic cost fluctuations, and ensure new amenities were made available to the public as they were completed. This approach minimized disruptions while maintaining community trust and continued access to one of the region’s most valued public landscapes. 

The ASLA‑MN Merit Award recognizes Mississippi Gateway Regional Park as an example of long‑term collaboration, design stewardship, and landscape architecture’s role in shaping resilient, community‑centered public spaces. The project demonstrates how thoughtful planning and sustained partnership can translate shared values into an enduring park that will serve the region for generations. 

WSB Named to ENR’s 2026 Top 500 Design Firms, Ranking #106

April 29, 2026

WSB is proud to announce its ranking of #106 on Engineering News-Records (ENR) 2026 Top 500 Design Firms list, climbing three spots from last year’s position. 

ENR’s Top 500 Design Firms list is a nationally recognized ranking that highlights the largest U.S.-based design firms based on revenue for design services. WSB’s continued growth reflects the firm’s commitment to engineering excellence, community-focused solutions, and strong partnerships with clients nationwide. For 30 years, WSB has been committed to building resilient infrastructure that supports communities. This recognition is a testament to our talented staff and the trust our clients place in us. 

WSB’s 2026 ranking also includes commentary from COO Jon Chiglo, who was featured in the ENR issue “AI Boom Buoys Design Revenue.” 

“Firms must remain highly adaptable and proactive as continued cost sensitivity and uncertainty are seen across markets,” said Chiglo. He noted firms that carefully develop project budgets, build contingencies, and identify cost drivers early can reduce risk for clients and achieve better outcomes. Chiglo also shared that WSB has intentionally structured its operations to remain nimble amid evolving federal regulations and permitting requirements, enabling teams to proactively adjust project approaches and support efficient design and approval processes. 

This recognition reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, resilient infrastructure solutions and adapting to evolving conditions across the nation. 

Read the full article and view our ranking here: 

ENR 2026 Top 500 Design Firms: AI Boom Buoys Design Revenue 

ENR Top 500 Design Firms  

Faye Gillespie Named IRWA Chapter 20 Professional of the Year 

April 6, 2026

WSB is proud to congratulate Faye Gillespie on being named the International Right of Way Association (IRWA) Chapter 20 Professional of the Year. This recognition honors Faye’s exceptional contributions to the right of way (ROW) profession and her continued commitment to advancing the industry. 

Faye’s leadership, expertise, and dedication have made a meaningful impact on both the ROW community and WSB’s ROW Group. Her work reflects a strong commitment to collaboration, professionalism, and service. 

Congratulations, Faye, on this well-deserved honor—and thank you for all that you do for the ROW industry and our team.