News

WSB Announces 2022 Staff Promotions

WSB is excited to announce our newly promoted staff. As a growing company, we are dependent on the continual development of new talent and leadership. We are fortunate to have such strong and committed leaders that have chosen to invest their careers with us. We are proud to promote these staff to their new roles and are confident that their best years are ahead of them.

Principal

Candace Amberg – Senior Landscape Architect
Mike Molitor – Engineering Specialist
Jake Newhall – Project Manger
Chris Petree – Director of Operations

Senior Associate

Nick Guilliams – Senior Project Manager
Nic Hentges – Project Manager
Jeremy Kilbo – Director of IT Operations
Nate Osterberg – Pipeline Manager
Jim Stremel – Senior Project Manager
DJ Sosa – Senior Project Manager
Eric Zweber – Senior Project Manager

Associates

Lindsay Amys-Roe – Enterprise Solutions Architect
Chris Barber – Design Manager: Center for Civil Site Design
Adam Gadbois – Project Manager
Mary Gute – Senior Transportation Manager
Shannon Gwost – Construction Inspector
Brad Hamilton – Director of Public Engagement
Andy Lobe – Survey Project Manager
Paul Kivisto – Senior Structural Engineer
Paul Kyle – Project Manager
David Neill – Autodesk Design Technology Manager
Gregg Roemhildt – Lead Developer
Kelsey Utley – Professional Engineer
Kyle Wewetzer – Quality Assurance/Quality Control Manager
Brandi Wolfe – Regulatory Compliance Manager

WSB Named Finalist for 2021 Tekne Awards

WSB was recently named a finalist for the 2021 MN Tekne Awards in the Digital Transformation category. The Tekne Awards are presented by the Minnesota Technology Association each year to shine a spotlight on Minnesota’s science and technology community by honoring innovation across numerous industries.

WSB nominated TH 169: Redefine Elk River. The Minnesota Department (MnDOT) received special funding to convert Highway 169 from the Mississippi River to 197^th Avenue into a freeway system through the City of Elk River. WSB was contracted to provide the final design for the project, which included converting four, at-grade traffic intersections into interchanges and modified highway access. The design needed to be iterative and flexible, and we needed to provide real time quantities to stay on budget.

In October 2021, the WSB team delivered the first set of fully digital paperless design plans to MnDOT. Historically, the Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) industry has been paper-heavy with many DOTs across the nation still requiring traditional plans. The transition to paperless is impacting the entire AEC industry, including DOTs, general contractors, and civil engineers.

The Tekne Awards Gala was held virtually in mid-November, drawing in the state’s most influential business, educational, and government leaders to celebrate the state’s science and technology-based economy. WSB is honored to be named a finalist in one of 13 categories that span a wide range of leading-edge technologies. The awards were chosen based on business impact, innovation, outcomes and judge discretion.

WSB CEO Bret Weiss Elected to Lead the Minnesota Chamber Board of Directors as its 2021-22 Chair

Bret Weiss, president and CEO of WSB, was elected by the Minnesota Chamber to lead their Board of Directors as their 2021-22 Chair. The announcement was made official Nov. 18 at the Minnesota Chamber’s 2021 Economic Summit at the Omni Vikings Lake Hotel.

Weiss joined the Minnesota Chamber in 2010 to broaden WSB’s reach in the business community. Since, then he’s been heavily involved in the Chamber’s programs. He has served on the Board of Directors since 2017 and has been a member of the Foundation Board since 2019. He has also played an instrumental role in the Chamber’s Leadership Minnesota and Leaders Lab programs.

“The Chamber is a powerful connection point for Minnesota’s business community,” said Weiss. “We have a singular focus on improving the business environment to allow all businesses to be successful. My priorities over the next year are to work with our Board to grow opportunities for all employers, employees and entrepreneurs. We will concentrate on building connections across all businesses to enhance the impact we can have on Minnesota communities. I am honored to represent the business community and the Chamber as Board Chair.”

The Minnesota Chamber is a statewide organization representing more than 6,300 businesses of all types and sizes – and more than a half a million employers – through Minnesota. The Board is volunteer-based and represents businesses of all types and sizes across Minnesota. Weiss credits the Chamber for helping him think differently about business and strengthening WSB’s connections with the business community outside of the AEC industry.

St. Paul Park GAC Treatment Plant receives APWA-MN Honorable Mention for Project of the Year

The St. Paul Park water treatment facility recently received an honorable mention for this year’s 2021 Minnesota Chapter APWA Project of the Year Award. The APWA Awards program recognizes excellence in public works.

The Granular Activated Carbon Water Treatment Plant was constructed to support public health by bringing cleaner drinking water to residents and businesses within the St. Paul Park community. The implementation of the plant has improved water quality and reduced the impact of harmful contaminants on community residents. To support the city’s vision for providing a sustainable solution, WSB performed services for design, bidding and construction administration and observation.

WSB is honored to partner with the city of St. Paul Park and Magney Construction on a project that has positively impacted the community of St. Paul Park.

WSB Receives International Award for Highway 169 Redefine – Elk River Digital Delivery Project

WSB was recognized by Bentley Systems, a software company used by the architecture, engineering and construction industry around the world.

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that they were internationally recognized for their work on the Highway 169 Redefine – Elk River project. The project was the first in the state to be delivered to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) through paperless plans. WSB was selected by Bentley Systems as a Founder’s Honoree at the 2021 Year in Infrastructure (YII) and Going Digital Awards.

“To be recognized as not only a national leader, but a global leader in our space, is a tremendous honor,” said Bret Weiss, President and CEO of WSB. “We are proud of how our staff have embraced the push into technology and advanced solutions. We made a commitment to be a leader in our industry and this international award is a testament to our collective commitment to that goal.”

Bentley Systems is a software development company that supports the professional needs of those responsible for creating and managing the world’s infrastructure, including roadways, bridges, airports, skyscrapers, and industrial and power plants, as well as utility networks.

“The TH 169 project in Elk River is the pattern that I hope will get repeated throughout the United States,” said Keith Bentley, founder and chief technology officer of Bentley Systems.

The Founder’s Honoree award recognizes special projects, individuals or organizations that have set the precedent for infrastructure projects going digital, for environmental / social achievements or advancing the infrastructure profession. The YII is a global event, hosted by Bentley, for executives and practitioners in the world of infrastructure design, construction and operations, who are focused on best practices in technologies for going digital.

“We are proud of this award and look forward to continuing to advance our project delivery now and in the future,” said Jon Chiglo, WSB’s COO. “We will keep moving forward and we’ll continue to drive fast in our industry to set the bar when it comes to technology and supporting our clients and partners with cutting-edge solutions.”

The Highway 169 Redefine – Elk River project will redesign and reconstruct three miles of Highway 169 to a new freeway system through Elk River. WSB is responsible for delivering the final design. The project is a partnership project with MnDOT, the city of Elk River and Sherburne County.

Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) – San Antonio Region Announces Christie Saenz as Chapter President

The Women’s Transportation Seminar – San Antonio Region (WTS-SAR) recently announced that Christie Saenz, WSB Senior Right of Way Specialist, will serve as President for their Executive Board beginning in January of 2022. 

Saenz is an active member of WTS-SAR. Since joining in 2015, she has served in a number of leadership roles including Membership co-chair, Transportation YOU co-chair, Scholarship co-chair, co-Treasurer, and Treasurer. She also served as President-Elect for the 2021-chapter year.

“I am incredibly honored to be the next President of the WTS-SAR’s Executive Board. It is a privilege to work with an organization that elevates and supports women in our industry, as well as works to support our vibrant San Antonio region,” said Saenz. “I am thankful for this opportunity and for the wonderful people working in transportation, government, sustainability, and economic development that are part of our amazing organization.”

Saenz brings over 25 years of real estate experience to the table, having a diverse background working with both government agencies and various engineering firms.

Women’s Transportation Seminar was founded in 1977 by a group of pioneering women in transportation that realized women’s careers would benefit from professional development, encouragement, and recognition to support their advancement in transportation professions. Through its professional activities, networking opportunities, and unparalleled access to industry and government leaders, WTS is turning the glass ceiling into a career portal. You can learn more about the organization at wtsinternational.org.

WSB hires Travis Wieber to oversee the firm’s Midwest transportation efforts

As vice president, Wieber will lead WSB’s globally recognized transportation division

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that Travis Wieber has joined the organization as their vice president of transportation. Wieber joins the firm’s Fargo office where he will lead WSB’s transportation efforts throughout the Midwest.

As vice president of transportation, Wieber will support WSB’s transportation efforts and will oversee the firm’s growing portfolio of public and private transportation clients. This role will strengthen and expand the firm’s transportation services and solutions throughout the Midwest. For years, WSB has been delivering engineering services in and around the North Dakota region, but the addition of Wieber forms a stronger presence of boots on the ground, local expertise in the area.   

“In 2021, we gained a lot of momentum across the United States through the way we’re delivering infrastructure projects for both owners and contractors,” said Jon Chiglo, chief operating officer at WSB. “The expertise that Travis brings to our team will only enhance our steady focus. He is known throughout our industry for his ability to lead and manage strong teams and I’m thrilled that he has chosen to join our firm at this exciting time.”

Wieber was most recently the delivery director of surface transportation and office leader at KLJ, a Bismarck-headquartered civil engineering firm. In this role, Wieber was responsible for the financial performance of the market segment. Throughout his career, he’s led several notable infrastructure projects throughout the Midwest including TH 53 Complete Streets in International Falls, Minn., US 85 & ND 23 Bypasses in Watford City, N.D., Sheyenne Street Reconstruction & I-94 Interchange in West Fargo, N.D., and the Emergency Highway Grade Raises and Dam in Devils Lake, N.D.

“WSB is changing the way our industry approaches digital delivery through 100% models and a commitment to innovation,” said Wieber. “This is an exciting time to be an engineer, and an even more exciting time to join a team of talented individuals, committed to cutting-edge tools, collaboration and partnerships that all lead to better projects.”

As division lead for the firm’s transportation team, Wieber will oversee WSB’s bridges and structures, roadway design, traffic engineering, transportation planning, right of way, transit planning and intelligent transportation systems services.

Shannon McGrath joins WSB as director of asset management planning

McGrath will focus on development and implementation of asset management programs.

Design and consulting firm WSB announced today that Shannon McGrath joined the organization as director of asset management planning. McGrath joins the firms Minneapolis office where she will lead WSB’s development and implementation of infrastructure asset management for government and commercial clients.

McGrath has over 11 years of experience in the transportation industry. In her new role, she will develop and recommend asset management planning and strategy to minimize total cost of ownership, manage risk, increase reliability and resiliency, and meet performance standards throughout WSB divisions. McGrath’s expertise will allow her to communicate the asset management framework to key team members, field personnel and WSB clients.

“Shannon’s expertise, relationships and experience delivering strategic and innovative solutions will be key for both our staff and clients,” said WSB vice president of technology John Mackiewicz. “She will lead initiatives and deliver solutions that drive real results. We identified adding asset management planning as a key need moving forward at WSB and Shannon is the perfect person to lead this service.”

Prior to joining WSB, McGrath was the asset management planning director for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). In this role, she directed MnDOT’s agency-wide asset management planning including projects, research, policy, innovation, strategic planning and implementation in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders at the agency. She has also served various roles to aid in advancing asset management statewide and nationally.

“WSB is a leader in the infrastructure engineering industry and the way they deliver for their clients,” said McGrath. “I’m thrilled at the opportunity to partner with an innovative and collaborative team to advance asset management goals and objectives for clients of this fast-growing firm.”

McGrath joins the firm’s technology division but will work across the firm’s broad services areas across the United States.

WSB promotes Ben Barker to director of Right of Way

Ben Barker has been promoted to WSB’s Director of Right of Way. Barker has been with WSB for over seven years as a Right of Way Specialist. He has over 15 years of experience in real estate and 10 years in acquisitions and relocations. He has extensive experience in land rights for government entities, renewable energy companies and utility companies. He is an active member of the International Right of Way Association and serves on the Executive Board for Chapter 20.

Since joining WSB in 2014, Barker has managed a variety of complex projects, including Rice Street, I-694, Minnesota Southwest Light Rail Transit, and White Bear Ave Reconstruction. He has proven himself as an effective negotiator, strong leader, and consistently helps clients, design staff, and landowners to reach fair settlements for all parties.

In his role as Director of Right of Way, Barker will lead the Minneapolis Right of Way team and continue oversight of WSB’s Right of Way services across the United States. His focus will remain on supporting WSB’s Right of Way clients across the firm’s government, commercial and energy markets.

WSB’s Right of Way team works with closely with clients in the government, commercial and energy markets throughout the United States. The staff of real estate specialists and surveyors specialize in right-of-way issues and services including project scoping, cost estimates, relocation, eminent domain, appraisals and acquisitions.

A Message from our CEO on our 26th Anniversary

In honor of WSB’s 26^th year in business, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on our past and share the history of why our anniversary is so important.

In October 1995, the founders of WSB made the decision to leave the firm we were with after they stopped investing in technology, staff and clients. When you remove the tools that are necessary for your team and client success, the impacts are significant. For us, it was the push we needed. We came together to create a new type of firm, one that is centered on passion, optimism, and a bold vision to be the most authentic firm we can be. We have spent the last 26 years developing that mission, focusing on solid client relationships, encouraging staff to be curious and determined, and consistently pushing to be at the forefront of our industry.

When I look back, WSB has become much more than the firm we originally set out to build, and that is because of each staff member, client and partner we have worked with over the years. We believe in delivering what’s next for our clients. We live our mission and we work together during good and more challenging times to support our communities. I am grateful for how our relationships have stayed consistent and have helped us work together to navigate the past 18 challenging months.

Every year on our anniversary, we celebrate all we have accomplished, and look forward to the future. We have built a supportive culture that puts clients and people first – and that’s important to celebrate. WSB will continue to invest in our staff, our clients, and cutting-edge tools, because that is the commitment we made nearly three decades ago. I want to take today to celebrate, and I look forward to finishing 2021 strong, and welcoming new opportunities for partnership and new connections in 2022.