News

WSB expands leadership team with strategic hire in Colorado region

August 30, 2024

George Prien will support multiple divisions across the firm as director of data integrity

Denver, Colo. – WSB, design and consulting firm, announced today the strategic hiring of George Prien. Based out of the firm’s Denver location, Prien has joined as director of data integrity.

With 16 years of industry experience, Prien’s expertise lies in data analysis and management. Prien has a background in both GIS and survey, making him well-equipped to support the firm as director of data integrity.

“George’s talent and technical experience in the industry is impressive, and he has been a staple in the energy division for years,” said John Gerlach, vice president of energy utilities. “With connections in Colorado and Houston and a diverse background, he will support our firm well. I am confident with George’s leadership we will continue to advance technology in the energy sector, providing even better services for our clients.”

In this role, Prien works in the energy utilities division— driving technology and data integration into the energy space. Working alongside WSB’s GIS and survey teams, he will oversee the integration of these services. This supports the firm’s initiative to remain an industry leader through advanced project delivery.

“I love building teams, and I have a passion for data,” said Prien. “To combine both interests and support a firm that is already well-established with diverse services is incredibly exciting. I appreciate that WSB is technology driven and the forward-thinking vision embedded in their culture. There are endless opportunities at WSB, and I look forward to my role in helping this firm forge ahead.”

With two acquisitions in the last year, WSB has doubled in size. The technology-driven firm continues to expand services in regions across the country and lead the industry.

WSB Receives National Award of Merit in Transportation

September 4, 2024

Each year, the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) recognizes outstanding projects in various disciplines that exemplify the principles of Design-Build Done Right®.

DBIA recently announced that the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDOT) $75 million Highway 52 Zumbrota to Cannon Falls Design-Build project received the 2024 National Award of Merit in the Transportation (Other than Aviation) category. WSB supported MnDOT and this project through the Alternative Delivery General Engineering Consultant Contract (GEC) developing the Contract bidding documents and as the Owners Contract Administration Verification team providing quality management, contract administration, inspection, materials testing and plant inspection.

As a result, this project is automatically a nominee for the DBIA National Award of Excellence in the same category. Only one winner is selected for this award making it the highest honor in each category. Merit winners and Excellence winners will be announced during the awards program at the 2024 Design-Build Conference & Expo in Dallas, TX on November 7.

Click here for more information on the project.

Click here for DBIA’s full announcement.

WSB hires Shawn Poe, strengthening leadership in Colorado

September 4, 2024
Poe’s leadership will solidify the firm’s municipal service offerings in the Colorado/California region.

Denver, Colo. – Fast-growing firm WSB today announced the hiring of Shawn Poe. Based out of the firm’s Denver office, Poe has been strategically selected as director of municipal services to strengthen the service offering across the firm.

In this role, Poe will lead the firm’s efforts in expanding services to municipalities in Colorado. He will grow and strengthen relationships with public agencies not only in the state of Colorado, but in regions Shawn is familiar with and WSB supports.

“I was looking for an opportunity to grow with a firm, and WSB perfectly aligned,” said Poe. “I was drawn in by how visionary the firm is, and I value building relationships and supporting communities. I look forward to bringing my experience to WSB to build what’s next in infrastructure.”

Poe comes to WSB with nearly 30 years of experience in the public and private sectors in both Colorado and Texas. Throughout his career, he has supported communities across the nation as a city engineer and a director of public works. His involvement in professional organizations, including his role as a former president of the APWA Texas Chapter and current role on the board of the APWA Colorado Chapter, make him an asset to WSB.

“Shawn’s experience is going to directly benefit our clients,” said Monica Heil, vice president of municipal services. “He can advocate for and understand the needs of our public infrastructure. Shawn’s guidance will expand our services in the Colorado municipal market, allowing us to most efficiently and effectively support communities.”

The firm first entered the Colorado market in 2017. After recent acquisitions, WSB continues to grow nationally, expanding service offerings and building relationships with communities from coast-to-coast.

WSB Announces 2024 Staff Promotions

May 9, 2024

WSB is proud to announce our newly promoted staff. Annually, we recognize the staff who display leadership, determination and expertise in their field. Each staff member consistently brings different elements of our values, results and leadership into their work.  We are dependent on the continual development of new talent and leadership to build our success and support our growth.  We are fortunate to have such strong and committed leaders at WSB that have chosen to invest their careers with us.  Each of the staff members below have made a commitment to the company, clients and each other to lead by example and help us improve each day. Congratulations!

Principals

• Ben Barker | Director, Right of Way
• Brad Martin | Vice President, Construction
• Buddy Williams | Vice President, Strategy
• Caleb Austin | Vice President, Transportation
• Chad DeMenge | Director, Contract Administration
• DJ Sosa | Senior Project Manager
• Gary Evans | Vice President, Construction
• Jeremy Kilbo | Director, IT Operations
• Karne Newburn | Vice President and General Counsel
• Kelly Selman | Vice President, Transportation
• Kevin Kriewall | Director, Contract Administration
• Liz Weber | Director, Financial Planning and Analysis
• Loyl Bussell | Director, Structures
• Mike Vahabzadegan | Executive Vice President, Strategy
• Paul Jesaitis | Vice President, Transportation
• Paul Poynter | Director, Structures
• Rick Johnson | Vice President, Operations
• Tracey Friggle-Logan | Vice President, Strategy

Senior Associates

• Amber Freeman | Director, PMO
• Brandon Sparkman | Director, Transportation Design
• Brent Frank | Director, Contract Administration
• Bryan Pittman | GIS Lead
• Carla Easton | Director, Municipal Services
• Chris Serrano | Director, Municipal Services
• Darin Metzer | Director, Materials
• Ed Souri | Director, Geotechnical Services
• Eric Grow | Controller
• Gordon McPhee | Vice President, Digital Solutions
• Jay Adams | Proposal Coordinator
• Jenn Edison | Sr. Project Manager
• Josh Golleher | Director, Materials
• Kathy Hurst | PMO Manager
• Laine Peitzmeier | Project Manager
• Mark Andrew | Director, Contract Administration
• Mark Barrett | Senior Director, Geotechnical Services
• Matias Mendez | Director, Geotechnical and Pavement Services
• Michael Skoviera | Technology and Design Team Manager
• Mike Bostic | Director, Contract Administraion
• Mohamed Elyazgi | Project Manager
• Mykol Woodruff | Director, Contract Administration
• Nolan Harvey | Director, Municipal Services
• Pete Regan | Director, Strategy
• Raffi Dermendjian | Project Engineer
• Richard Zamora | Director, Geotechnical Services
• Saeed Sobhi | Director, Traffic
• Sarah Rohne | Director, Human Resources
• Shawn Napier | Director, Civil Site Development
• Steve Allen | Director, IT Service Management
• Tony Terrell | Director, Utilities Management
• Trevett Cullers | Executive Business Partner
• Valerie Brennan | Director of Marketing

Associates

• Ananna Anu | Engineer II
• Angellia Points | Senior Project Manager
• Brian Cales | Director, Water/Wastewater
• Brian Mielke | Senior Right of Way Specialist
• Christie Saenz | Area Manager, Right of Way
• Colin Schultz | CDOT Coordinator
• Dale Routon | Director, Human Resources Operations
• Haley Corbit | Field Services Supervisor
• Hamideh Etemadnia | Senior Transportation Modeler/Engineer
• Isabel Panek | Professional Engineer I
• Javier Garcia | Project Manager
• Jennifer Mullins | Design Technology Manager
• John Bradford | Senior Project Manager
• Jordan Gedrose | Landscape Architect
• Jose Sandoval | Senior Design Manager
• Kory Bonnell | Director, Environmental Compliance
• Kyle Stender | Senior Project Manager
• Mallori Fitzpatrick | Professional Engineer I
• Mark Watson | Director, Materials
• Matt Indihar | Senior Project Manager
• Misti Daigle | Lead City Ambassador
• Nickie Stephenson | Sales Enablement Manager
• Paul Sandy | Sr. Project Manager, Municipal
• Ranuel Ortiz | Area Manager, Municipal
• Reddy Erra | Design Team Lead
• Richard Harper | Director, Contract Administration
• Rob Reed | Sr. Structural Engineer
• Ryan Earp | Director, Public Engagement
• Shannon Heitmann | Senior Design Manager
• Tyler Purdom | Engineer

WSB Expands Regional Leadership in Colorado as Firm Grows National Footprint

May 10, 2024

Building the next level of leadership strengthens the firm as it continues to build a national presence.

Denver, Colo. – Fast-growing design and consulting firm WSB today announced the expansion of leadership in its Colorado region. The firm leads the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry while establishing itself as a national firm that supports infrastructure— the places, spaces and systems that support our lives.

WSB recently promoted several staff to directors across all regions including Colorado/California, Minnesota/North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas and the southeastern U.S. With an expanding footprint, more service offerings and increased expertise throughout each region, the firm is eager to elevate the next level of leadership. Recently promoted to directors in the Colorado/California region include:

• Mark Andrew | Director, Contract Administration  
• Richard Zamora | Director, Geotechnical Services  
• Saeed Sobhi | Director, Traffic  

Through an aggressive growth strategy, WSB is expanding into new markets and geographies while continuing to make strategic investments in cutting-edge tools and technology.  In fall of 2023, WSB acquired EST, a respected civil structural and construction engineering consulting firm with offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and California. In addition, WSB announced in February 2024 the acquisition of AE Engineering, Inc. (“AE”), a high-growth transportation infrastructure firm based in Jacksonville, Florida. With the addition of these two firms, WSB now operates with more than 1,250 employees across the U.S.

“Now more than ever, we are committed to not only the growth of our firm, but also the growth of our staff,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “I am excited to develop additional leadership throughout each region of the U.S., and I know these elevated directors will provide a strong foundation for our staff moving forward. With their guidance, I am certain we will continue to make a positive impact on the communities we serve.”

WSB, headquartered in Minnesota, was founded in 1995. Since then, the firm has expanded its markets and service offerings to meet the needs of its clients. After recent acquisitions, the Colorado region was strengthened even more. Today, the firm offers services in more than 50 areas, employs more than 1,250 people and has expanded its markets across the U.S.

WSB Elevates Minnesota/North Dakota to Support the Firm’s National Expansion

May 10, 2024

The firm announced new leadership promotions at the director level to develop growing regions and service offerings.

Minneapolis, Minn. – Design and consulting firm WSB today announced the expansion of its Minnesota and North Dakota leadership team. The firm is one of the fastest growing in the architecture, engineering and construction industry, and additional leadership will support WSB’s initiatives as it continues to expand its geographic footprint from coast to coast.

WSB is developing leaders from within, creating a strong foundation to move the firm forward. Several promotions were made at director level in the Minnesota/North Dakota region, along with others in Colorado/California, Oklahoma, Texas and the southeastern U.S. Some recently elevated staff in the Minnesota/North Dakota Region include:

• Jess Karls | Senior Director, Transportation Design  
• Jesse Sievers | Director, Talent Acquisition 

Through an aggressive growth strategy, WSB is expanding into new markets and geographies while continuing to make strategic investments in cutting-edge tools and technology. In fall of 2023, WSB acquired EST, a respected civil structural and construction engineering consulting firm with offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and California. In addition, WSB announced in February 2024 the acquisition of AE Engineering, Inc. (“AE”), a high-growth transportation infrastructure firm based in Jacksonville, Florida. With the addition of these two firms, WSB now operates with more than 1,250 employees across the U.S.

“As we continue to establish WSB as a national firm, we are excited to bring recognition to staff at the director level in each of our regions,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “We have been serving communities in the Minnesota/North Dakota region since we founded WSB in 1995, and our staff continues to raise the bar each year. I know this next level of leadership will only improve the services we already provide, and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish with their mentorship and expertise.”

When WSB was founded in 1995, the company had five staff, one office and three services areas. Today, the firm offers services in more than 50 complementary areas, employs more than 1,250 people and has expanded its markets to support communities nationwide.

WSB Elevates Texas Leadership While Establishing a National Presence

May 10, 2024

The firm is prioritizing the development of staff to support regional expansions.

Minneapolis, Minn. –Design and consulting firm WSB today announced the expansion of its Texas leadership team. The firm is one of the fastest growing in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. This is part of WSB’s aggressive growth strategy to build a national firm that supports critical infrastructure across the United States.

WSB is committed to elevating leadership within the firm. Recently, WSB has promoted several staff to the director level across all regions including Texas, Colorado/California, Minnesota/North Dakota, Oklahoma and the southeastern United States. Director promotions in the Texas region include:

• Brandon Sparkman | Director, Transportation Design  
• Carla Easton | Director, Municipal Services
• Dale Routon | Director, Human Resources  
• Ed Souri | Director, Geotechnical Services  
• Josh Golleher | Director, Materials  
• Loyl Bussell | Director, Structures  
• Michael Bostic | Director, Contract Administration  
• Mykol Woodruff | Director, Contract Administration 
• Nolan Harvey | Director, Municipal Services  
• Richard Harper | Director, Contract Administration 
• Shawn Napier | Director, Civil Site Development 

WSB is expanding into new markets and geographies while continuing to make strategic investments in cutting-edge tools and technology.  In fall of 2023, WSB acquired EST, a respected civil structural and construction engineering consulting firm with offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and California. In addition, WSB announced in February 2024 the acquisition of AE Engineering, Inc. (“AE”), a high-growth transportation infrastructure firm based in Jacksonville, Florida. With the addition of these two firms, WSB now operates with more than 1,250 employees across the U.S.

“Texas is heavily investing in their infrastructure, and it is an exciting time to support its communities and the infrastructure surrounding them,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “We are leading the industry through revolutionary technology and the incredible expertise of our staff. With an expanded leadership team, we are building on our commitment to this region. I am confident these promotions will support our clients and staff to provide the highest-quality of service.”

Founded in Minnesota in 1995, the growth over the last 28 years has been significant. The firm first entered the Texas market in 2016, and after acquiring EST in the fall of 2023, the firm’s ties in Texas have only been strengthened. Today, WSB offers services in more than 50 areas, to seamlessly integrate planning, design and implementation across the nation.

WSB Announces New Oklahoma Regional Leadership as Establishes National Presence

May 10, 2024

The firm promotes staff to the director level to support expansion initiatives.

Oklahoma City, Okla. –Fast-growing architecture, engineering and construction firm WSB today announced the expansion of its Oklahoma leadership team. The design and consulting firm is building a national brand that supports critical infrastructure across the United States and is prioritizing elevating leadership in each region it serves.

WSB has strategically invested in the development of its staff to better support the needs of each community it serves. Several staff have been elevated to the director level across all regions of the firm including Colorado/California, Minnesota/North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas and the southeastern U.S. Recent promotions in the Oklahoma region include:

• Amber Freeman | Director, Project Management Office 
• Brent Frank | Director, Contract Administration  
• Brian Cales | Director, Water/Wastewater 
• Christopher Serrano | Director, Municipal Services  
• Darin Metzer | Director, Materials  
• Kevin Kriewall | Director, Contract Administration  
• Matias Mendez Larrain | Director, Geotechnical and Pavement Services  
• Peter Regan | Director, Strategy 
• Steve Allen | Director, IT Service Management  
• Tony Terrell | Director, Utilities Management   

WSB is expanding into new markets and geographies while continuing to make strategic investments in cutting-edge tools and technology.  In fall of 2023, WSB acquired EST, a respected civil structural and construction engineering consulting firm with offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and California. In addition, WSB announced in February 2024 the acquisition of AE Engineering, Inc. (“AE”), a high-growth transportation infrastructure firm based in Jacksonville, Florida. With the addition of these two firms, WSB now operates with more than 1,250 employees across the U.S.

“We build what’s next in infrastructure— the places, spaces and systems that support our lives. Our top priority is to provide the highest-quality services to our clients, and we can do so with established leadership” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “There is a lot of potential in the Oklahoma region, and I am excited to see what we can accomplish together in this region with elevated staff. I am certain their guidance and expertise will support the firm and each community as we forge ahead.”

WSB was originally based out of one office in Minnesota. Over 28 years, the firm has continued to grow and expanded its footprint into the Oklahoma region last fall after the acquisition of EST. Today, the firm offers services in more than 50 complementary areas and has expanded its markets to support communities nationwide.

WSB Establishes National Footprint with Expanded Leadership in the Southeast

May 14, 2024

The firm’s presence continues to grow nationally through the acquisition of AE Engineering, expanding leaders in the region.

Jacksonville, Fla. – WSB, a design and consulting firm, today announced expanded leadership in the southeast region. Roderick Myrick and Cory Nichols will support the firm in vice president roles as it grows in the southeastern U.S.

“As we integrate with WSB, I am excited for the opportunities available. Together, we can expand our resources and capabilities to better support our clients,” said Myrick. “When we combine our expertise, resources and talents— we will be a powerhouse in the southeast. I look forward to embarking on this journey with WSB and making a positive impact on the communities we serve.”

“This is an exciting step forward for our staff at AE Engineering and by joining WSB it will only increase our capabilities in the southeast region,” said Nichols. “We have begun collaborating on projects to make a positive impact on infrastructure. AE already has strong roots in this region, and I am eager to develop our services and connections with our clients as one team.”

The firm acquired AE Engineering, a high-growth infrastructure firm based in Jacksonville, Florida, in February 2024. With this addition, WSB is establishing itself as a national brand and elevating leaders in the region. Myrick is now vice president, strategy and construction engineering and inspection (CE&I), and Nichols is vice president, operations.

“When I first met with Rod, Cory and AE Engineering, I was stunned by the services they were providing,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “Seeing how they operate and the culture they built both internally and with their communities, I knew we would be a great match. I look forward to what we can accomplish together as we forge ahead.”

Through recent acquisitions, WSB has grown significantly in size and service offerings. The firm has over 1,250 staff across the U.S. in regions including California/Colorado, Minnesota/North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas and now the southeast. With each acquisition, the firm’s services continue to grow, now offering more than 50 complimentary services in engineering, construction, environmental and community planning.

WSB Ranks 11 on 2024 Hot Firm List

June 6, 2024

WSB was recently named a Hot Firm by the Zweig Group for the eleventh consecutive year. Our firm ranks 11^th on the 2024 Hot Firm List, a significant increase from our position last year at 43. This is one of our highest placements on the Hot Firm List, and we are incredibly honored to share this achievement.

Hot Firm #11

The list honors the fastest growing firms in the AEC industry in the U.S. and Canada. The chosen companies have surpassed both the economy and their competitors to emerge as frontrunners in their respective industries. Ranking is based on three-year growth in revenue, by both percentage and growth. 

The Zweig Group is the leading research, publishing, and advisory services resource for firms in the AEC industry. The Zweig Group’s awards programs recognize and celebrate top AEC industry firms in several categories.  Winners will be recognized at the 2024 Elevate AEC Conference in September. 

View the complete list of Hot Firm winners.