News

WSB appoints Tumer Akakin as director of materials engineering

The firm strategically hires Akakin to support the growth of Midwest materials engineering operations.

Minneapolis, Minn.— Forward-thinking design and consulting firm WSB today announced the appointment of Tumer Akakin as director of materials engineering. Based in Burnsville, Minnesota, Akakin brings over two decades of experience in the construction materials industry.

Akakin holds a doctorate in construction materials and a master’s degree in structural engineering from Turkey. His career began at the Turkish Ready Mixed Concrete Association and later moved to Minnesota in 2016, where he held leadership positions at Aggregate Ready Mix of Minnesota and worked and Intertek.

In his new role at WSB, Akakin will oversee the materials lab in Burnsville and lead vertical building projects. He will support WSB’s initiative of expanding materials testing capabilities, particularly in the area of vertical building projects. Akakin will also explore additional testing and inspection opportunities to diversify WSB’s offerings and strengthen its competitive edge.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tumer Akakin to WSB,” said Mike Rief, senior vice president of construction. “His expertise and extensive knowledge will be instrumental in enhancing the firm’s resume and building credibility with clients. I look forward to the future of the division with Tumer’s leadership.”

“I am excited to contribute to this dynamic firm,” said Akakin. “The expansive services offered at WSB provide incredible opportunities for our clients. I look forward to leveraging my expertise in materials engineering to enhance our testing capabilities and explore new avenues for growth.”

Akakin’s appointment will support the firm’s mission to drive innovation and quality in the materials engineering sector. His leadership will help WSB expand its services and continue to build strong client relationships as the firm continues its national expansion. WSB serves communities from nearly 50 offices across the country.

Shawn Poe Receives Two Board Appointments

We are thrilled to announce that Shawn Poe, Director of Municipal Services for the Colorado region, has been appointed to two prestigious positions. Shawn has earned a spot on the South Adams County Fire Department (SACFD) Board of Directors. This board is composed of five residents who are committed to advancing the district’s mission and efforts in providing exceptional fire and emergency services. The Board oversees policies, guidelines, and the annual budget to ensure efficient administration and operations.

Moreover, Shawn Poe has been appointed by the City Council of Commerce City to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. This board plays a crucial role in addressing appeals from refusals of building permits, permitting exceptions or variations from the zoning ordinance, issuing special use permits, and making conditional grants for property use.

We are incredibly proud of Shawn’s achievements and his unwavering commitment to serving his community. Join us in celebrating Shawn Poe’s incredible appointments and his ongoing contributions to the community!

WSB announces new office in Tulsa, Oklahoma

The firm continues to establish roots in Oklahoma, joining several offices and staff throughout Tulsa into an improved and centralized office space.

May 13, 2025

Tulsa, Okla — WSB is thrilled to announce the opening of its new office at 416 South Utica Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74120. This strategic move reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to growth and investment in the Tulsa region.

The firm acquired several offices throughout the city in recent years. By consolidating these existing locations into a modern, state-of-the-art facility, WSB aims to foster enhanced collaboration among staff and deliver superior service to clients. The new office will serve as a central hub, allowing the firm to streamline operations and improve efficiencies across various projects and service lines.

“We are excited about the new, updated space and the progress it signifies for WSB in the region,” said Rick Johnson, vice president of operations. “This office is a testament to our dedication to providing exceptional service and fostering a collaborative work environment. The upgraded facilities will enable us to better support our clients’ needs and pursue innovative solutions to complex challenges.”

The new office space is equipped with advanced technology and amenities, ensuring a high-quality environment conducive to successful project execution. The design facilitates communication and teamwork, promoting a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.

The new office officially opened its doors on December 2. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for WSB in Tulsa, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to excellence and community engagement.

Celebrating Our Staff’s Achievements at IRWA

May 13, 2025

We are thrilled to announce that three of our outstanding staff members have been recognized by the International Right of Way Association (IRWA) for their exemplary contributions to the profession.

• April Randall has been named the IRWA Oklahoma Young Professional of the Year by the Oklahoma Chapter of IRWA.
• Audrey Fincannon has been honored as the Oklahoma IRWA Professional of the Year by the Oklahoma Chapter of IRWA.
• Christie Saenz has been awarded the title of Texas IRWA Professional of the Year by the Texas Chapter of IRWA.

These awards celebrate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to the Right of Way profession. We are immensely proud of their achievements and their dedication to advancing the field.

Congratulations to April, Audrey, and Christie on these well-deserved honors!

WSB announces 2025 staff promotions

May 5, 2025

WSB is delighted to announce the promotion of our exceptional staff members. Each year, we honor those who demonstrate leadership, determination, and expertise in their field. These individuals consistently embody our values, deliver outstanding results, and exhibit strong leadership in their work.

Our success and growth rely on the continuous development of new talent and leadership. We are fortunate to have such dedicated and committed leaders at WSB who have chosen to invest their careers with us. The staff members listed below have shown unwavering commitment to the company, our clients, and their colleagues by leading by example and striving for improvement every day.

We are thrilled to introduce the staff who have been recognized and promoted to Associate, Senior Associate, and Principal. Their dedication and expertise have significantly contributed to our company’s success and growth.

Congratulations to our new members.

Principals

• Ben Fletcher | Manager Design 
• Brad Oswald | Director, Survey 
• Brandon Claborn | Vice President, Environmental 
• Carl Osberg | Director, Structures 
• Chris Duncan | Manager, H&H 
• Janele Taveggia | Senior Project Manager 
• Jignesh Thakkar | Director, Traffic 
• Jupe Hale | Senior Director, Municipal Services  
• Michael Couch | Manager, GIS 
• Mykol Woodruff | Vice President, Contract Administration  
• Sarah Rohne | Director, Human Resources  
• Waymon Votaw | Vice President, Energy Utilities Operations 

Senior Associates

• Allison Whitsitt | Manager, Planning – OK 
• Angellia Points | Senior Project Manager  
• Behnaz Beladi | Director, Renewables  
• Christy Dulaney | Controller 
• Paul Kyle | Project Manager  
• John Bradford | Senior Project Manager  
• Jon Christensen | Project Manager 
• Jose Sandoval | Senior Design Manager  
• Marc Drouin | Design Teams Manager  
• Michael Royce | Area Manager  
• Ryan Stempski | Senior Project Manager 
• Shannon McGrath | Director, Asset Management Planning  
• Taylor Olson | Professional Engineer  
• Tina Brown | Senior Project Manager  

Associates

• Ameer Kian | Senior Project Manager 
• Andy Gatlin | Project Manager 
• Ann Leake | Accounts Payable & Payroll Supervisor  
• Antony Atencio | Assistant Project Manager / Designer 
• Brandon Movall | Design Manager 
• Brian Frank | Senior Project Manager 
• Brian Glaser | Director, Design Technology 
• Caitlin Austin | Learning & Development Manager  
• David Blevins | Construction Inspector IV 
• Don Nash | Senior Professional Engineer I 
• George Mallett | Project Manager  
• George Prien | Director, Data Integration – Energy Utilities 
• Grant Moore | H&H Project Manager  
• Hongwei Cai | Director, Structures 
• Janna Rosenthal | Senior Transportation Planner 
• Jeff Frahm | Project Manager
• Jeff Rice | Senior Project Manager 
• Jimmy Rogers | Senior Record Keeper 
• Johnny Martinez | Engineering Specialist  
• Justin Sepanski | Discipline Application Specialist  
• Lori Johnson | Senior Professional Community Planner I  
• Nicole Muske | Senior Engineering Specialist  
• Paul Reinhart | Proposal Manager  
• Robert Doty | Director, Transportation Design  

WSB ranks #109 on the Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firms list

May 1, 2025

WSB is honored to be featured on the Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) nationally ranked list for the thirteenth consecutive year, climbing 25 spots from last year’s position. Through ENR’s annual survey, companies throughout the United States are ranked according to revenue for design services performed. ENR’s mission is to connect diverse sectors of the industry with coverage of issues that include business management, design, construction methods, technology, safety, law, legislation, environment and labor.

Since WSB was founded nearly 30 years ago, we have been committed to growth and excellence. For many years, we have worked hand-in-hand with our communities to build the future of infrastructure. Through strong partnerships, we have collaborated to solve some of our communities’ biggest challenges. Our growth would not be possible without the trust and support of our dedicated clients. Thank you for entrusting us with your infrastructure needs.

It is an honor to be recognized amongst our peers. We extend gratitude to our incredible staff who play a significant role in driving our growth and shaping our company. At WSB, we foster innovation at every level and across all service areas. We look forward to continuing to advance project delivery with our clients.

Review the full ranking list: ENR 2025 Top 500 Design Firms Preview | Engineering News-Record

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Our Chief Operating Officer, Jon Chiglo, is featured in the 2025 Top 500 Design Firms: Design Market Shifts Overnight article by Engineering News-Record (ENR). Jon discusses the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the design market, emphasizing the critical need for STEAM education. Jon highlights that while technology is helping to bridge gaps, the industry still requires key subject matter experts to drive progress.

“Without key subject matter experts driving progress, projects cannot be evaluated or designed, and without field workers, projects cannot be built. We need more planners, earth scientists, engineers, and field staff. Technology will be a tool to assist our staff, not replace them.”Jon Chiglo

This recognition underscores WSB’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the design industry. We are proud to have Jon’s insights featured in such a prestigious publication.

Read the full article to learn more about the shifts in the design market and how Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) companies are navigating these changes.

WSB welcomes Christopher Rousseau as vice president of renewables

April 29, 2025
Rosseau’s hiring is part of the firm’s national expansion strategy through strengthening the renewables division.

Minneapolis, Minn.— WSB, a fast-growing design and consulting firm, today announced the strategic hiring of Christopher Rousseau, PE, as vice president of renewables. With over two decades of experience in hydro engineering, dam safety, and renewable energy project management, Rousseau brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to WSB.

Throughout his career, Rousseau has held several prominent positions in the industry. He served as chief operating officer at Mavel America’s, Inc., hydro and renewable energy market leader at J.F. Brennan Company, Inc., and manager of renewable business operations at Minnesota Power. His extensive background in managing complex projects, mentoring staff, and optimizing team performance will be instrumental in advancing WSB’s renewable energy initiatives.

As vice president of renewables, Rousseau will work closely with Behnaz Beladi, the director of the renewables department, to drive innovation and oversee the development and execution of renewable energy projects. His expertise in hydro engineering and dam safety, combined with his experience in alternative project delivery and early contractor involvement, positions him as a key leader in navigating the challenges and opportunities in the renewables sector.

“I am excited to join WSB and contribute to the firm’s mission of delivering sustainable energy solutions,” said Rousseau. “I look forward to working with the talented team at WSB and leveraging my experience to drive innovation and growth in our renewable energy projects.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris to our leadership team,” said Jon Chiglo, WSB’s chief operating officer. “His extensive knowledge and experience in renewable energy will be invaluable as we continue to expand our renewables initiatives. Chris’s vision and leadership will keep WSB at the forefront of the industry, delivering high-quality projects that meet and exceed our clients’ needs and contribute to a sustainable future.”

Rousseau’s leadership will drive the renewables division to new heights. The firm has doubled in size through recent acquisitions and organic growth supporting communities from coast to coast.

EY US unveils Bret Weiss of WSB as an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Heartland Award finalist

April 29, 2025
Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates ambitious entrepreneurs who are shaping the future

Minneapolis, MN – Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced the finalists for the prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Heartland Award. Now in its 40th year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program celebrates the bold leaders who disrupt markets through the world’s most ground-breaking companies, revolutionizing industries and making a profound impact on communities. The program honors bold entrepreneurs whose innovations shape the future and pave the way for a thriving economy and a hopeful tomorrow. The Heartland program celebrates entrepreneurs from Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, North and South Dakota.

An independent panel of judges selected Bret Weiss among 30 finalists for their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and lasting impact in building long-term value.

“I am honored to be recognized as a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Heartland Award,” said Bret Weiss. “This nomination is a testament to the tremendous growth and success that we have achieved at WSB. It is an acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who have consistently pushed the boundaries to innovate and advance the industry. Representing WSB in this prestigious program is not just a personal achievement, but a celebration of our collective journey and the impact we have made in our industry and community.”

Entrepreneur Of The Year honors business leaders for their ingenuity, courage and entrepreneurial spirit. The program celebrates original founders who bootstrapped their business from inception or who raised outside capital to grow their company; transformational CEOs who infused innovation into an existing organization to catapult its trajectory; and multigenerational family business leaders who reimagined a legacy business model to strengthen it for the future.

Regional award winners will be announced on Thursday, June 19, during a special celebration in Minneapolis and will become lifetime members of an esteemed community of Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni from around the world. The winners will then be considered by the National judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum^®, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies.

Sponsors

Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards include presenting sponsors PNC Bank, Cresa, LLC, Marsh USA and SAP. In the Heartland, sponsors also include Twin Cities Business, Padilla and Brillect.

About Entrepreneur Of The Year

Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the US, and it has since expanded to nearly 60 countries globally.

The US program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum^® in November where National finalists and award winners are announced. The overall National winner represents the US at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition. Visit ey.com/us/eoy.

About EY

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.

EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

All in to shape the future with confidence.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

WSB welcomes Jennifer Bullard as vice president of construction

April 16, 2025
The firm hired Bullard as part of its national expansion strategy.

Tulsa, Okla.— WSB, a fast-growing design and consulting firm, today announced the strategic hiring of Jennifer Bullard as vice president of construction.

In her new role, Bullard will oversee various groups including materials, construction management, and more. She will prioritize expanding construction management services and contract administration throughout Oklahoma with a strong focus on integrating advanced 3-d model-centric technology.

“We are thrilled to have Jennifer on board,” said Rick Johnson, vice president of operations at WSB. “Her experience, expertise, and fresh perspective are exactly what we need to elevate our services. Jennifer’s proven track record and her ability to connect deeply with the industry and the Oklahoma region make her the perfect fit for WSB.”

Bullard brings over 20 years of experience from her tenure at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Her vast knowledge, coupled with the significant relationships she has established in the state, has greatly contributed to her reputation as a respected leader across Oklahoma. She was honored as the Women in Transportation Seminar’s (WTS) Woman of the Year for Oklahoma in 2024, showcasing her outstanding contributions to the field.

“Through communications with Rick and others at WSB, it just felt right,” said Bullard. “WSB felt like my new home, and I’m excited to bring my expertise and ideas to the team. I look forward to collaborating with the group and contributing to the innovative projects WSB is known for while support communities throughout Oklahoma.”

Bullard’s strategic hiring is a testament to WSB’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the contract administration field. Her experience and leadership promise to drive significant growth and success for the firm as it continues to grow as a national brand.

WSB has doubled in size through recent acquisitions and organic growth. The firm provides services throughout the nation, with offices in various regions including Minnesota/North Dakota, Oklahoma/Texas, Colorado/California and the Southeast.

Tribal Technical Assistance with WSB

WSB’s sustainability team has a contract with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to provide a cumulative total of approximately $200,000 in technical environmental and climate-related assistance to Minnesota Tribes at no cost to tribal communities, now through June 2026. In the coming weeks and months, WSB will be reaching out to your Tribe to listen, understand your goals, and explore opportunities to align our support with your community’s vision. This funding is designed to enhance capacity and offer free, expert assistance to identify, prioritize, and implement Tribal environmental and climate-related projects that may have otherwise faced barriers to completion, ensuring that the projects we support reflect your Tribe’s unique priorities and long-term goals.

What projects are eligible?

This technical assistance can include activities such as:

• Sustainability/Climate Work
  • Climate plans and greenhouse gas inventories
  • Sustainability Plans
  • Renewables development
  • Policy development such as for solar, EVs, water conservation
  • Feasibility studies (such as EV or solar plans)
  • Community planning and economic development
  • Public engagement support on climate topics
• Natural Resource Support
  • Water resources, water reuse, and hydrology modeling
  • Forestry services
  • Fisheries services
  • Wetland and soils services
  • Regulatory assistance
  • Limnological analysis
  • Vegetation surveys
  • GIS support
• Transportation Support
  • Transportation or transit planning that reduce vehicle miles travelled
  • Trail planning and fundraising
  • Traffic engineering such as to support pedestrian or EV-related projects
• Grant Support
  • Identification, writing, and administration assistance
  • Partnership development
  • Research and analysis to identify most competitive grant applications

How can WSB support my Tribe?

WSB is a trusted engineering and consulting firm with deep expertise in energy, resiliency, water, environmental stewardship, transportation, and a range of other disciplines. We have had the privilege of partnering with Tribes across the Midwest, providing tailored support in climate planning, renewable energy development, and natural resource management. Our team approaches every project with respect for Tribal sovereignty, cultural values, and traditions—prioritizing meaningful relationship building, adaptability, and genuine curiosity. Based in Minneapolis, our project team is readily available to travel to your community to engage directly and ensure our work reflects your Tribe’s unique needs and priorities.