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.
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.
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, 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.
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.”
Justin Hansen is a Senior Director in WSB’s GIS practice, with a career rooted in building, refining and scaling geospatial services. Based in Minneapolis, Justin’s work centers on how GIS actually functions inside projects—establishing sound data structures, practical workflows and dependable standards that teams can rely on. He brings a systems‑level mindset to geospatial services, helping ensure GIS is integrated thoughtfully, used consistently and delivers clear value across a wide range of project types.
Paul Reinhart is a Director in WSB’s Proposals group, bringing extensive experience in proposal development, strategy and process leadership. Based in Minneapolis, Paul has spent years guiding teams through complex pursuits, strengthening proposal quality and improving internal workflows that support consistency and efficiency. He is known for his collaborative approach and deep understanding of how to clearly position technical work, helping teams communicate value effectively across the organization.
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 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.
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.
WSB is proud to share that Jason Amberg, WSB Director, Landscape Architecture, has been reappointed to the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design.
In this role, Jason continues to support the Board’s work providing leadership, guidance, and oversight on matters that impact the licensed design and technical professions across the state. He currently serves on the Executive Committee, the Complaint Committee, and as a member of the Architect/Landscape Architect/Certified Interior Designer Section.
Jason’s reappointment reflects his commitment to professional standards and service to the State of Minnesota. WSB congratulates Jason on this continued appointment and thanks him for his leadership and dedication.
WSB is proud to announce that Bret Weiss, President & CEO, has been selected as an inaugural honoree of Finance & Commerce’s C‑Level Awards. This recognition celebrates Minnesota business leaders who demonstrate exceptional leadership, integrity, vision and a strong commitment to excellence and community engagement.
Throughout his career, Bret has championed WSB’s mission to deliver innovative, future‑focused infrastructure solutions that support strong, resilient communities. His dedication to building what’s next through technology, collaboration and a people‑first culture aligns directly with the values recognized by the C‑Level Awards and reinforces the purposeful leadership that drives WSB forward.
As part of this honor, Bret will be profiled in the C‑Level Awards publication and recognized during the awards and networking event on April 9, 2026, at Quincy Hall in Minneapolis.
“I’m honored to be included among leaders who reflect values so closely aligned with WSB’s mission,” said Weiss. “This recognition reinforces the meaningful work we’re doing together to shape a stronger, more resilient future.”
As a longstanding and respected source for regional business news, Finance & Commerce plays an important role in highlighting leaders who shape Minnesota’s economic and community landscape. Their C‑Level Awards honor individuals whose leadership and values reflect the qualities that strengthen organizations and the communities they serve. Being recognized by an organization so deeply connected to the region makes this distinction especially meaningful for WSB, underscoring the alignment between the award’s purpose and our mission‑driven approach.
WSB congratulates Bret on this meaningful achievement and celebrates the impact his mission‑driven leadership continues to have across our company and the industry.
WSB elevates Hans to support growing contract administration operations and strengthen leadership in North Texas
Melissa, Texas— WSB, a fast-growing design and consulting firm, today announced the promotion of Cody Hans to director, contract administration. His leadership and deep industry expertise will advance the firm’s contract administration operations in Texas.
Hans previously served as a senior project manager, leading personnel on the $600 million I-35 project and contributing to strategic pursuits across the region. As director, he will oversee multiple project pursuits, lead contract review and negotiation efforts, and expand his responsibilities in staff management and project oversight.
“Moving into a people-manager role is an exciting step,” Hans said. “I’m looking forward to cultivating a strong team mentality, supporting our staff and helping pursue new projects that continue the culture of excellence I’ve experienced at WSB.”
Hans was selected for the promotion based on his industry experience, leadership style and ability to strengthen the division. His experience managing large-scale transportation projects combined with his collaborative approach will help WSB better support its clients.
“Cody brings exceptional value to our team,” said Mykol Woodruff, vice president, contract administration. “His management style, industry knowledge and ability to build strong partnerships make him a natural fit for this leadership role. He understands how other firms operate, and his expertise positions us exceptionally well for continued growth in North Texas.”
WSB continues to strengthen leadership across the country as the firm expands its national presence. The firm now hosts offices in over 10 states and supports projects and communities from coast-to-coast.
