News

John Hudspeth joins WSB as vice president of Texas operations

April 9, 2024
WSB strategically hires Hudspeth to lead expansion and innovation in Texas and beyond.

Minneapolis, Minn.— WSB, a rapidly growing design and consulting firm, today announced the addition of John Hudspeth as vice president of Texas operations.

In his new role, Hudspeth oversees all operations in Texas, with a focus on expanding WSB’s reach and capabilities within the state and beyond. His extensive background in alternative delivery methods, major infrastructure projects, and building client relationships will be instrumental in driving the firm’s growth while exploring new opportunities in the market, including the support of WSB’s digital delivery efforts.

“We are excited to welcome John to WSB. His experience and innovative mindset make him a perfect fit for our team,” said Kelly Selman, Senior Vice President of Texas. “Having worked with John for many years, I know firsthand his dedication and skills. He is exactly the kind of leader we need to continue WSB’s growth and success.”

Hudspeth worked at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for 29 years. His career at TxDOT is marked by numerous achievements including his role as the project manager for the $2.7 billion reconstruction of the LBJ Freeway. He also served in several leadership roles as director of transportation planning, director of operations for the Dallas district and deputy district engineer.

“Joining WSB is a remarkable opportunity to leverage my knowledge in transportation and infrastructure projects to drive growth and innovation,” said John. “I am excited to work with the talented team at WSB and contribute to the firm’s mission of delivering cutting-edge solutions to our clients.”

The firm is a leader in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, pioneering digital delivery. WSB was the first firm to deliver fully paperless plans to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Newsletter | Volume 6 | Issue 2 | 2024

Brandon Claborn appointed vice president of environmental services

February 4, 2025
Claborn will fill a vital leadership role for the firm while fostering collaboration and embracing national growth.

Tulsa, Okla. — WSB, forward-thinking design and consulting firm, today announced that Brandon Claborn has been appointed as the vice president of environmental services. With extensive experience and a proven track record in environmental sciences, Claborn is poised to play a pivotal role in expanding WSB’s environmental services nationwide.

Claborn, former CEO of Meshek & Associates, Inc, will be instrumental in driving the expansion of the firm’s environmental services portfolio across the country, including water resources. His expertise in multidisciplinary teams and his strategic vision will help WSB leverage resources and optimize projects.

“Our environmental division is integral to our success, and we are excited to see Brandon lead this critical area,” said Jon Chiglo, chief operating officer of WSB. “His background will elevate our environmental services and strengthen our position as a leader in the industry. Coupling his industry experience with his leadership, we will better support clients as we grow our presence nationally.”

Claborn is known for his leadership and innovative approaches to flood mitigation and stormwater quality. This background will allow him to elevate WSB’s environmental footprint throughout the U.S., while working across service lines to support client’s infrastructure needs. He led the Meshek team’s contributions to the first every State Flood Plan in Oklahoma and provided leadership to the team working with the city of Tulsa to help them achieve a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) rating of 1 which resulted in a 45 percent discount in national flood insurance premiums for residents.

“I am honored to join WSB as the vice president of environmental services,” said Claborn. “I look forward to working with our talented staff to expand our services, embrace new technologies and enhance our support for clients across the nation.”

WSB recently acquired Meshek & Associates, LLC in the fall of 2024. Through this acquisition, WSB has welcomed over 50 staff and many new services to better support its coast-to-coast client base.

Wright County CSAH 35 Project Receives Prestigious Concrete Paving Award

February 6, 2025

WSB is proud to announce that a recent project we supported has received a prestigious Concrete Paving Award from the Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota (CPAM) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). This recognition highlights the high-quality concrete pavement construction and rehabilitation for the Wright County CSAH 35 project. The award ceremony is set to take place on March 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Park Event Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota. 

The CSAH 35 project was a significant undertaking involving the reconstruction of a three-mile rural road into a four-lane urban concrete paved road with three roundabouts. Now a safer corridor for the new three-mile multi-use trail with ADA crossings and neighborhood access. This major thoroughfare better serves the growing communities of St. Michael and surrounding areas, enhancing safety and supporting residential development. WSB played a crucial role in this project, providing design services, environmental compliance, construction administration, inspection, materials testing and survey work. 

The firm is fortunate and proud to be part of the team for this project and to be recognized for everyone’s efforts. This honor is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Wright County, WSB’s team, the contractors at S.M. Hentges & Sons Inc. and Shafer Contracting Co., Inc. and The City of St. Michael. WSB extends its gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to this successful and impactful project. 

City of North St. Paul Honored with Concrete Paving Award for 7th Avenue East Project 

February 10, 2025

The 7th Avenue East Project in North St. Paul recently received a Concrete Paving Award in Category 7 for City New/Reconstruction. This prestigious award underscores the complexity and significance of the project, which involved extensive preliminary work, design, construction, surveying, materials testing and construction observation. WSB was proud to support the project, and the firm’s comprehensive involvement spanned from inception to completion, showcasing its expertise and dedication. 

This project was part of a larger effort to revitalize downtown North St. Paul, aligning with a long-term vision aiming to rejuvenate the area. The project included the construction of a new water main, storm sewer, and brand-new concrete pavement roadway with sidewalks, lighting and landscaping. Notably, there were several complex challenges, including utilities crossing an 88-inch storm sewer and the need for vibration monitoring due to a medical manufacturing facility immediately adjacent to the project. 

This award is a significant honor as it highlights a major urban project for the City of North St. Paul to revitalize the community and accommodate future growth. The 7th Avenue East Project not only improved infrastructure but also enhanced the character of downtown North St. Paul, attracting residents and businesses and supporting the city’s vision for the future. 

Close collaboration between the City, Eureka Construction, Inc., Curb Masters, Inc., and WSB was integral to the project’s success and the achievement of this award.  WSB is honored to be a part of the collaborative team, together with all project stakeholders, where the combined talents and expertise from all culminated in the successful delivery of this award-winning project for the City of North St. Paul.  

Brian Glaser Promoted to Director of Design Technology at WSB

March 13, 2025
The firm is elevating internal leadership to enhance its design technology group.

Houston, Texas — WSB, a fast-growing design and consulting firm, today announced the promotion of Brian Glaser to director of design technology.

In his new role, Glaser will oversee company-wide design technology initiatives, driving innovation, collaboration and revenue generation. His leadership will be instrumental in enhancing internal collaboration between design technology and operation teams, ensuring continued delivery of cutting-edge solutions to clients.

John Mackiewicz, vice president of technology, states, “Brian’s promotion is a testament to his dedication and innovative mindset. His ability to foster strong relationships and drive technological advancements makes him the perfect fit for this role. We are confident that under his leadership, WSB will continue to be at the forefront of design technology, scaling up our capabilities.”

With almost two years of service at WSB and nearly 15 years of industry experience, Glaser has shown outstanding technical excellence and remarkable relationship-building skills that have significantly contributed to the firm’s success.

“I am eager to take my knowledge and success from my previous role and bring it to the director position,” stated Glaser. “Taking the successes from various areas throughout our division and implementing them in other aspects is critical as our group continues to expand. I look forward to fostering internal growth at WSB while supporting the needs of our clients and software partners.”

With Glaser’s leadership, WSB will continue to lead the industry in innovation, rapidly expanding design technology capabilities and greater collaboration within its teams and with clients.

This strategic move aligns with WSB’s commitment to excellence and the goal of driving growth amidst its national expansion. The firm now operates from offices in 10 states, with projects across the U.S.

WSB Welcomes New Vice President of Traffic Modeling and Planning

March 18, 2025
Josh Maus joins WSB, prioritizing collaboration across various divisions and regions.

Minneapolis, Minn. — Fast-growing design and consulting firm WSB today announced the hiring of Josh Maus as vice president of traffic modeling and planning.

With nearly 25 years of experience in the AEC industry, Maus brings a wealth of expertise in traffic operations and analysis. Throughout his career, he has made notable contributions to several significant projects in Minnesota, and his vast background with the private sector makes him an asset to the firm.

“We are excited to welcome Josh to WSB,” said Travis Wieber, vice president of transportation. “His extensive experience and industry reputation will be invaluable as we continue to grow and elevate our traffic modeling and planning divisions. Josh is a great cultural fit for our team, and we are confident that his leadership will drive us to new heights.”

In this role, Maus will oversee traffic modeling for all regions as part of the firm’s nationwide initiative. He will also lead transportation planning efforts in the Midwest region. There are many overlapping elements between these divisions, and having a leader integrate them allows WSB to deliver cohesive and superior results for clients. Maus will encourage collaboration among the groups—enhancing the capabilities and performance of WSB.

“I am thrilled to be part of such an innovative and forward-thinking firm,” said Maus. “WSB’s commitment to investing in technology and looking ahead to future opportunities is truly inspiring. I look forward to working with this talented group of professionals and contributing to WSB’s growth.”

WSB has doubled in size over the last two years through 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.

WSB welcomes Tara Dresen as Chief Human Resource Officer

April 7, 2025

Dresen will enhance organizational culture and talent acquisition as the firm expands nationally.

Minneapolis, Minn.— WSB, a fast-growing design and consulting firm, today announced the appointment of Tara Dresen as its new Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO). Dresen brings a wealth of experience and expertise in human resources and recruitment, and she will play a pivotal role in supporting the firm’s growth and enhancing its organizational culture. 

In her new role, Dresen will oversee all aspects of WSB’s human resources strategy, including talent acquisition, employee development, performance management and organizational culture. She will collaborate closely with the leadership team to align human resources practices with business objectives and support WSB’s mission to build what’s next in infrastructure. Dresen will focus on attracting and retaining top talent in the industry, enhancing team member engagement, and fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. 

“We are excited to welcome Tara to WSB,” stated Bret Weiss, president and chief executive officer (CEO). “Her extensive experience in human resources is invaluable and makes her an excellent addition to our firm. We are confident that Tara will significantly contribute to supporting WSB’s growth and enhancing our organizational culture.” 

A seasoned human resources professional, Dresen’s expertise includes accelerating growth through strategy and people alignment, transparent cultures and talent analytics. She has held significant roles in various organizations, including Global Vice President of Talent Planning & Attraction at Trimble, Global Head of People at CBRE and CHRO at TwentyEighty.  

“I am thrilled to join WSB and contribute to the firm’s continued success,” said Dresen. “I look forward to working with the talented team at WSB to enhance our HR practices, support our employees’ growth and development, and foster a culture of inclusivity and innovation.” 

This strategic move aligns with WSB’s commitment to excellence and the goal of driving growth amidst its national expansion. The firm now operates from offices in 10 states, with projects across the U.S.  

Major Milestone Achieved in EPA Grant Funding

September 18, 2024

WSB’s Sustainability Division has successfully helped secure $5 million in EPA grant funding for the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin. This funding will enhance building efficiency, develop and install 1MW of solar electricity infrastructure and increase local workforce capacity for renewable energy on Tribal lands.

The application, developed in collaboration with the Tribe’s Grants Administrator, was selected as one of 33 recipients from a competitive pool of over 100 applications. This success highlights the comprehensive and compelling nature of the proposal, which demonstrated significant potential for advancing the Tribe’s goals of energy sovereignty and reducing negative environmental impacts.

The funding is expected to open new possibilities for the Tribe. WSB looks forward to supporting future Tribal clients in their pursuit of sustainability goals.

For more details on the grant awards, please visit the EPA’s official announcement.

WSB invests in Arkansas office, elevating training and evaluation standards

September 27, 2024

The firm announces a new office in the state to better support communities in the region.

Conway, Ark. – Fast-growing design and consulting firm WSB today announced the opening of a new office located at 1335 Covington Pk Dr, Conway, AR 72034. This facility is set to serve as a hub for advanced training and operator qualification (OQ) of third-party contractors, underscoring WSB’s commitment to enhancing service quality and safety in pipeline operations across the state.

The new facility will primarily focus on the specialized training and evaluation of fusion processes essential in polyethylene (PE) pipe installations — a critical component in modern pipeline infrastructure. The facility is equipped to conduct comprehensive training on a variety of techniques such as manual butt fusion, hydraulic butt fusion, socket fusion and the use of electro fusion tees and couplings. This hands-on approach ensures that third-party contractors across Arkansas are well-versed in pipeline construction and maintenance techniques.

Beyond third-party contractor evaluation, the new space is designed to better support how the firm’s inspection staff are trained and evaluated. Moving away from traditional computer-based knowledge assessments, the facility features workstations that simulate real-life scenarios. This practical training environment allows staff to sharpen their skills effectively, ensuring they are well-equipped to uphold and surpass the stringent standards required in pipeline inspection and safety.

“This space represents a transformative leap in our training capabilities,” said Rick Bradway, distribution utility inspector. As master evaluator, Bradway will be critical in overseeing the facility. “By simulating real-world scenarios, we can ensure our staff not only meet but exceed the rigorous standards required in our industry today. It’s about building a future-ready workforce that can tackle any challenge with confidence.”

The establishment also reaffirms its long-term commitment to the Arkansas community. WSB has worked on several projects throughout Arkansas since 2020. Investing in this region allows expanded service offerings in more than 50 complementary areas to better contribute to the state’s infrastructural development.