October 2, 2024

As senior vice president, Selman will lead WSB’s transportation and construction engineering and inspection divisions in Texas

Melissa, Texas – Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that Kelly Selman has been promoted to senior vice president of Texas. Selman, who previously led WSB’s transportation efforts throughout Texas, will now oversee and manage both the transportation and construction engineering and inspection (CE&I) divisions.

As senior vice president of Texas, Selman will oversee the firm’s growing portfolio of public and private transportation and construction clients. His role aims to strengthen and expand the firm’s transportation and CE&I services and solutions throughout the state. For years, WSB has been delivering engineering services in Texas, but the elevated role for Selman will help to support the fast growth within the region, strengthen existing and new client relationships, and build on the firm’s local expertise.   

“In 2023, we gained an industry infrastructure leader in Kelly Selman,” said Jon Chiglo, chief operating officer at WSB. “The experience, leadership and drive that Kelly brings to WSB has quickly enhanced our offerings in Texas. I am confident that Kelly will elevate our CE&I services in Texas and lead our strong teams.

Selman took on the role of vice president of transportation at WSB in 2023, concentrating his efforts on addressing the state’s infrastructure needs. Prior to joining WSB, Selman spent nearly six years at EST as Texas regional manager and 32 years at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in a variety of roles including area engineer, director of operations, director of TP&D, and district engineer of Dallas.

“WSB is advancing our industry and changing the way we deliver for our clients,” said Selman “This is the perfect opportunity to take our expertise in 3D design in Texas.  I’m thrilled to be leading these two key areas for WSB and I’m excited to support more clients across the state.”

As division lead for the firm’s transportation and CE&I teams in Texas, Selman will oversee WSB’s bridges and structures, roadway design, traffic engineering, transportation planning, right of way, transit planning and intelligent transportation systems, construction management, survey, materials testing services and more.

Selman is replacing Brad Martin, vice president of construction at WSB.  Martin retired on September 27. “On behalf of WSB, I would like to thank Brad Martin for his commitment, leadership and contributions to our firm,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO at WSB.  “From the moment he joined WSB, he was a dedicated leader to our staff and a committed consultant to all our clients.  On behalf of all our staff and leadership, we wish Brad nothing but the best in retirement.”

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.

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.

August 27, 2024
Amidst national expansion, the design and consulting firm strengthens leadership in the newly expanded region. 

Jacksonville, Fla. – Fast-growing design and consulting firm WSB today announced the expansion of leadership in the Southeast region. This is part of WSB’s aggressive growth strategy to build a national firm that supports critical infrastructure across the United States.  

The firm acquired AE Engineering, a high-growth infrastructure firm based in Jacksonville, Florida, in February 2024. Through this acquisition the firm has gained several offices throughout Florida, Geogia and North Carolina.

“Infrastructure is booming in the southeast, and in turn so has our growth,” said Rod Myrick, Vice President of Strategy & Construction. “We have many leaders in this region who have been driving forces of our expansion. These individuals represent our firms dynamic, strong core of difference makers that support our clients, and I’m proud to recognize promotions throughout the region.”

WSB has elevated several leaders within the southeast region to support its newfound growth. Promotions in the southeast region include:

• Andres Atehortua | Director, Contract Administration
• Ricardo Baraybar | Director, Contract Administration
• Udin Dwarica-Ogeer | Director, Quality Assurance
• William Glennon | Director, Contract Administration
• Eduardo Hernandez | Director, Contract Administration
• Van Mason | Director, Contract Administration
• Julian McKinley | Director, Contract Administration
• Christopher Nolen | Director Contract Administration
• Michael Russo | Director, Materials
• Christopher Sweat | Director, Contract Administration

“I am thrilled for our firm to support more communities across the nation,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “The southeast is heavily investing in infrastructure, and AE Engineering has built phenomenal relationships with communities throughout the region. As we forge ahead together, I am excited about the expanded services we can bring to the southeast. Our teams have been collaborating across various divisions to provide the best services for our clients while building what’s next in infrastructure.”

Founded in Minnesota in 1995, the growth of WSB has been significant. With offices in various regions including Minnesota/North Dakota, Colorado/California, Texas/Oklahoma and now the southeast, the firm supports communities across the nation. Today, WSB offers services in more than 50 areas, to seamlessly integrate planning, design and implementation.

August 21, 2024
The firm strategically hires leadership to facilitate expansion in the south.

Houston, Texas – Design and consulting firm WSB announced today the strategic hiring of Michael Hodgkinson. Based out of the firm’s Houston office, Hodgkinson joins WSB as director of survey operations.

Hodgkinson has a strong background in the industry with over 30 years of experience in survey. His close relationships with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and other industry leaders are valuable to the firm as it continues to grow nationally.

“Michael was selected for this position for a variety of reasons,” said Brad Oswald, director of survey. “He comes to WSB with a wealth of industry knowledge, and his relationships in the region will help us expand our service offerings throughout the state. I’m really excited to watch our division thrive under Michael’s leadership.”

This is the first time the firm will offer survey services of this scale in Texas, and Hodgkinson will be instrumental in its growth. In his position, Hodgkinson will oversee survey operations and business development throughout the state. He will primarily focus on building the firm’s team in Texas and expanding into new market spaces, such as municipal, renewables and energy markets, in the south and southeast regions.  

“I see potential for growth at WSB, both internally and nationally,” said Hodgkinson. “I am passionate about building and strengthening operations. I look forward to applying my experience in my new role to support the firm.”

Strengthening the firm’s Texas presence will support national expansion. After doubling in size through two acquisitions in the past year, the firm has increased its service offerings and reach across the United States.

August 15, 2024

Each year, the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal gathers information on firm’s based in the Twin Cities and creates a Fast 50 List. The List is a ranking of companies that have shown significant growth over a period of time. It was recently announced that WSB is an honoree on the List, making it one of the fastest-growing private companies in the Twin Cities.

The awards program will take place on Thursday, October 24, at U.S. Bank Stadium. This is when official placements on the List will be announced. An alphabetical list of 2024 honorees can be found at MSPBJ.