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.

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.

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.

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.

2024 WSB Year in Review

Click the image above to view WSB’s 2024 Year in Review.

Innovative Deicing Solutions: The Benefits of Using Beet Juice for City Roads

February 27, 2025
By: Matias Mendez, P.E., Ph.D., Director, Geotechnical and Pavement Services, WSB

The use of salt as a deicing agent on roads has been a common practice for decades. However, it comes with significant drawbacks that cannot be overlooked. The corrosive nature of salt contributes to the deterioration of infrastructure such as bridges and roads, and vehicles, causing costly repairs and replacements. The runoff of salt after winter weather can have detrimental effects on the environment too, affecting vegetation, aquatic ecosystems, and wildlife. Rock salt has also proven to be less effective in single digit temperatures, or when temperatures dip below zero degrees. With these concerns in mind, city governments are increasingly exploring alternative solutions to ensure road safety during winter months.

One promising alternative is the use of beet juice, derived from the sugar beet. Increasingly recognized for its eco-friendly properties, beet juice significantly improves the efficacy of ice melting solutions when mixed with brine. The sugars in beet juice lower the freezing point of water more effectively than salt alone, allowing it to work even at lower temperatures. Its viscous nature helps the brine adhere better to road surfaces, reducing the need for frequent applications.

There are several advantages to using beet juice for deicing. Beet Juice is less corrosive than salt, aiding in the resiliency of city infrastructure such as bridges and roads. The use of beet juice in a deicer provides a range of benefits that make it a compelling alternative to the standard salt brine. While both methods are effective at melting ice, beet juice’s lower environmental impact and reduced infrastructure damage, paired with the enhanced performance in lower temperatures provide a strong case for its adoption and helps ensure safer roads even in the most severe winter conditions.

For city staff seeking proficient management of all aspects of road maintenance, WSB offers expert assistance and comprehensive pavement management planning. Our experienced team can help municipalities with deicing strategies, road repairs, and long-term infrastructure planning. With WSB’s support, cities can ensure their roads remain safe, functional, and sustainable throughout the winter months and beyond. Contact WSB today to learn more about optimizing your city’s road maintenance program.

Matias, Director of Geotechnical and Pavement Services at WSB, leads drilling and soil testing operations and creates detailed geotechnical reports. With extensive experience in field and lab testing of construction materials per ODOT specs, Matias is vital to our team. He has worked on numerous projects in Oklahoma, including roadways, bridges, retaining walls, and private developments, specializing in both simple and complex geotechnical engineering projects.

[email protected] | 504.919.1866

Strength Under Pressure

February 26, 2025

WSB’s role in emergency relief & management.

When communities face uncertainty or destruction, a variety of teams emerge to swiftly work to restore normalcy, including civil engineers. From day-to-day environmental challenges to natural disasters, WSB’s expertise in infrastructure recovery plays an essential role in helping communities bounce back. Through various emergency relief and management efforts, our team leverages technical know-how and innovative solutions to promote safety and efficiency in the regions we serve from coast to coast.

From snow drifting management to environmental improvement efforts, WSB offers solutions that maintain the stability and resilience of infrastructure in the face of emergencies.

Snow Drifting Management

Engineering solutIONS for winter challenges

In regions prone to severe winter weather, snow drifting can bring entire transportation networks to a standstill. High winds push snow into drifts that can block highways, railways, and access roads, creating hazardous conditions for travelers and first responders. In addition to impacts to travel, snow drifting also increases maintenance and fuel costs for local departments of transportation.

To mitigate these effects in the Midwest, WSB utilizes advanced software to analyze snow drifts and wind, as well as design solutions, allowing our team to proactively identify and address problem areas. Using natural and synthetic snow fences, berms, and road designs that incorporate strategic cuts and embankments, our team works with departments of transportation to ensure that critical routes remain accessible during snowfall. This foresight eases the effect of winter’s harsh impacts and ensures safer roadways and cost savings for the community.

Hurricane Relief and Recovery

Building resilient communities

When hurricanes strike, they leave behind a trail of devastation: downed power lines, collapsed bridges, blocked roads, and more. Coastal communities are often the most at risk, necessitating a robust emergency response strategy. WSB works hand in hand with emergency response teams to prioritize restoration in hurricane-affected areas. Our team recently partnered with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to assist communities in Florida in recovering from the effects of Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. This included managing cut and toss operations, debris removal, and signals and generators, as well as electronically documenting roadway conditions using GIS technology, prioritizing the reopening of the most critical routes.

The aftermath of a hurricane demands rapid assessments of structural damage and the design of temporary solutions to reconnect communities to essential services. Civil engineers, though often overlooked as responders, play an important role in protecting communities against these natural disasters.

Environmental Investigation and Remediation

Protecting our future

In the chaos of an emergency, environmental risks often take a backseat to immediate recovery efforts. However, those specializing in environmental investigation and remediation know that focusing on these issues are key to long-term community recovery.

WSB’s Environmental Investigation and Remediation team plays a vital role in addressing environmental hazards. From encountering tanks and petroleum spills during roadway construction to providing structural assistance to the U.S. Post Offices in the upper Midwest related to fires or vehicle crashes, asbestos, and more, our team is dedicated to safeguarding public health by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored solutions to mitigate risks. The team works closely with clients, such as DOTs and city agencies to report contamination to EPA associations while providing transparency and thorough investigation. Through these efforts, WSB demonstrates strength and versatility in emergency management. Our commitment to innovation and collaboration means that we’re always prepared to face new challenges and protect our communities.

Resident Problem Reporter

Ensuring safety and transparency through real-time communication

Through innovative technology, WSB has successfully deployed, configured, and automated an integrated resident problem reporter app in Duluth, Minnesota, that allows clear communication between residents and response teams. This system empowers residents by giving them a direct line to report instances as road obstructions and potholes, outages, or damaged infrastructure.

The automated notification email system keeps both the responding team and residents informed about the status of their requests. Using geographic information system (GIS) technology, City teams can prioritize and address the most urgent needs. This proactive approach provides transparency, fosters a sense of security and encourages residents to play an active role in maintaining their community.

A commitment to Community Resilience

In emergency situations, civil engineers and scientists work out of the spotlight, but their contributions are essential. Whether it’s managing snow drifts to keep roadways clear, or addressing environmental hazards post-disaster, it’s the behind-the-scenes efforts of our team that allow communities to rebuild, recover, and thrive.

Q&A with Rod Myrick | VP, Strategy & Construction

February 17, 2025

Rod is the vice president of strategy and construction with over 26 years of experience as a professional engineer. Rod joined WSB through the acquisition of AE in February 2024. His background includes managing complex projects across federal, state and municipal levels. Rod’s extensive portfolio and close collaborations with the Florida Department of Transportation and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, has aided WSB’s expansion and presence across the Southeast region. Rod will continue building awareness and forging relationships as WSB continues to establish their presence.

What makes WSB different than other Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) companies?

What makes WSB different is the individuals and talent within our teams nationwide. Our leadership team is deeply committed to enhancing both the professional and personal journeys of our staff every day. We believe their career growth is fundamental to our delivery of quality service and the retainment of staff.

As a solution-driven engineering firm within the AEC industry, we make impactful differences for our clients. This is made possible by our talented and qualified staff, who are central to our ability to continually provide innovative and valuable solutions.

What makes WSB suited to manage the growing needs of the Southeast region?

WSB is best suited to manage the growing Southeast region through our internal resources and innovative solutions. We bring new technology and a high level of expertise to the markets we serve. The Southeast region will benefit from WSB’s focus of identifying key talent to assist with the growth of communities.

What does the future of the Southeast region look like and how can WSB continue to support?

It is exciting to be able to cross-sell and introduce more services to the Southeast region. WSB provides over 50+ services that are new to the region and will be able to support the future of infrastructure for our current and new clients.

Expanding our footprint is vital for the Southeast region and important for our own growth. As we enter new areas and enhance our expertise, we view the Southeast as an advancing market overflowing with opportunities. This expansion will further solidify our presence and impact.

What is your vision for WSB’s growth?

My vision for WSB is centered around a steadfast commitment to hiring the best staff to support our clients. I am focused on attracting the industry’s best talent, enabling us to expand our reach and effectively meet the growing demands across new regions. At the center of our vision is the empowerment of our team, who are essential in delivering innovative solutions and maintaining the high-quality service that defines WSB. By aligning our growth with these principles, we are dedicated to enhancing WSB’s impact on communities and industries nationwide.

What is one thing you wish people knew about WSB?

One thing I would like for people to know about WSB is all the great people we have on our teams. Across the nation we have staff who are passionate and authentic about the work they do. Additionally, WSB remains a focused engineering firm.

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for WSB?

The acquisition of AE by WSB marked a significant change from our small company feel to a larger company structure. A challenge for WSB is preserving the close-knit company atmosphere and the camaraderie we have shown to our local communities.

An opportunity for WSB exists in continuing our national presence and becoming the go-to firm for our clients. With our expanded reach, we can identify and address the infrastructure needs across more regions, leveraging our unique brand and collaborative approach.

You’ve worked in the AEC industry for many years, how has your experience informed how you approach your role at WSB?

How I approach my role is based on an understanding of listening rather than talking. I have learned that it is far better to listen than to talk. You gain more from listening to others than always inputting your thoughts. This was especially true when AE joined WSB. I’ve spent a lot of time identifying key team members who can help our staff in the Southeast when we need support. It’s these people who are helping us connect the dots as we grow our presence as WSB.

As vice president of strategy and construction how do you lead the groups you work with and what advice can you give to leaders now and those who come after you?

I lead groups through strategy which is crucial in our operations. Given the number of opportunities open to WSB it is important to understand we cannot pursue every one of them without risking burnout for our team. To avoid this, I focus on opportunities that align with our short-term and long-term goals. This approach further prevents exhaustion and ensures our efforts are made in impactful areas. I lead effective communication to drive our culture through transparency and learning.

Our commitment to staff is to support their goals by providing the necessary resources. To leaders after me understand that WSB has the ability to embrace creativity and entrepreneurship.

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.

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.