Insights

WSB leaders recognized on Journal Record’s 2026 Engineering Power List 

May 15, 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — WSB is proud to announce that four staff leaders have been recognized on The Journal Record’s inaugural 2026 Leaders in Engineering Power List: Allison Whitsitt, Darin Metzer, Matias Mendez and Paul Poynter. The list honors professionals advancing engineering in Oklahoma through leadership, expertise and community impact. 

• Allison Whitsitt, director of emergency management, WSB 
  A nationally recognized emergency management expert, Whitsitt brings extensive public-sector experience to engineering projects, helping Oklahoma communities reduce risk, secure mitigation funding and build lasting resilience. 
• Darin Metzer, director of materials, WSB 
  By directing materials testing systems for major infrastructure projects, Metzer shapes engineering decisions statewide and directly influences long-term performance and public safety. 
• Matias Mendez, PhD, PE, director of geotechnical and pavement services, WSB 
  Mendez integrates research, practice and professional service to push geotechnical and pavement engineering forward, shaping standards and approaches used on projects nationwide. 
• Paul Poynter, vice president of structures, WSB 
  Through the design of durable bridge and structural systems, Poynter shapes Oklahoma’s transportation network while strengthening engineering judgment and technical leadership within his teams. 

Rick Johnson, vice president of operations at WSB, said the recognition reflects the strength of the firm’s leadership and its impact both locally and on the national stage. 

“This kind of recognition just confirms what we see every day,” Johnson said. “We’ve got outstanding talent right here in Oklahoma, and the leadership this group brings is making a real difference — not just across the state, but on projects nationwide. We’re proud of the work they do and the standards they set.” 

Learn more about WSB honorees Allison Whitsitt, Darin Metzer, Matias Mendez and Paul Poynter on The Journal Record’s website, where their leadership highlights WSB’s role in advancing engineering and supporting the communities it serves.