WSB Promotes Kyle Klasen to Vice President of Survey & Digital Delivery

As Vice President, Klasen will help WSB elevate digital delivery workflows and revolutionize industry practices

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that Kyle Klasen has been promoted to vice president of survey & digital delivery. This is a new position at WSB, and Klasen will help oversee the firm’s strategic vision to expand survey work nationally and develop digital delivery solutions for clients. Klasen has been with WSB for more than 15 years, and in that time has led the firm’s growth in surveys along with advancing constructable 3D models to field applications.

“WSB has been designing constructable 3D models for contractors long before it has been part of an engineering function and deliverable. Looking back 15 years when we initiated our 3D modeling efforts, to where we are today incorporating 4D, 5D and visualization is truly amazing,” said Klasen. “WSB’s digital delivery advancements transfers usable data from design to construction that results in mitigated risk, accelerated schedules, and ultimately saves stakeholders money. I am excited to continue to bring value to our clients and partners, innovate with data workflows from design to construction, and grow WSB’s strategic vision for the future.”

In his new role, Klasen will focus on growing survey offerings through client development and strategy. He will also oversee strategic hires, partner pursuits, and help facilitate and infuse digital delivery and trailblazing technology into every division at WSB.

“Digital delivery is the future at WSB, and we are excited to further advance that offering with this new role. Kyle has an amazing ability to understand and bridge the needs of designers and contractors, delivering value to clients and partners. I know he will do an excellent job managing and growing his team and helping WSB stay at the cutting-edge of our industry,” said Jon Chiglo, WSB’s chief operating officer.

WSB delivered the first set of fully digital, 100% model plans to the Minnesota Department of Transportation last year for its Highway 169 Redefine – Elk River Project. The 3D Design Model provided greater flexibility and detail in the design and helped save taxpayer money through efficiency and digital delivery.

WSB hires Behnaz Beladi to direct the firm’s renewable energy team

As director, Beladi will lead, manage and grow WSB’s renewable energy market and team

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that Behnaz Beladi has joined the organization as their director of renewable energy. Beladi joins the firm’s Minneapolis office where she will lead WSB’s renewable energy efforts and solutions.

As director of renewable energy, Beladi will manage the multi-disciplinary renewable energy team in project and program operations. Beladi will also guide market strategy and oversight to ensure compliance and preparedness in growth regions. The addition of this new role will strengthen the firm’s renewable energy services and cultivate a team that is proactive with client management, client retention and opportunity development. Beladi brings vast industry knowledge and technical expertise to the fast-growing firm.

“As companies and communities around the world strive toward reducing cost and risk, meeting evolving customer and other stakeholder demand, advancing NetZero goals, renewable energy and the infrastructure that supports it will become vital in preparing for the future,” said Amy Fredregill, senior director of sustainability at WSB. “The expertise that Behnaz brings to WSB will only enhance our growth in the renewable energy market. Her comprehensive experience with solar and wind energy and knowledge of local, state and federal environmental policies and the market overall will be an asset for both our staff and clients.”

Beladi was most recently the vice president of engineering at Apadana, a Minneapolis-based a full-service solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm for commercial, residential, agricultural, non-profit, and utility-scale solar energy customers. Beladi is an accomplished academic, with a PhD of Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Vienna, and an associate of the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Previously, she served on the board of the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association, advocating for policy and regulatory initiative’s that strengthen the industry.

“WSB’s commitment to cutting-edge technology, combined with their deep understanding of our community’s infrastructure needs has allowed them to deliver many large-scale solar and wind projects in recent years,” said Beladi. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead this important work and to shape the future of energy with such a talented team and next-generation tools.”

As director for the firm’s renewable energy team, Beladi joins a dynamic team with collective expertise delivering innovative energy solutions for the firm’s clients.

Shannon McGrath joins WSB as director of asset management planning

McGrath will focus on development and implementation of asset management programs.

Design and consulting firm WSB announced today that Shannon McGrath joined the organization as director of asset management planning. McGrath joins the firms Minneapolis office where she will lead WSB’s development and implementation of infrastructure asset management for government and commercial clients.

McGrath has over 11 years of experience in the transportation industry. In her new role, she will develop and recommend asset management planning and strategy to minimize total cost of ownership, manage risk, increase reliability and resiliency, and meet performance standards throughout WSB divisions. McGrath’s expertise will allow her to communicate the asset management framework to key team members, field personnel and WSB clients.

“Shannon’s expertise, relationships and experience delivering strategic and innovative solutions will be key for both our staff and clients,” said WSB vice president of technology John Mackiewicz. “She will lead initiatives and deliver solutions that drive real results. We identified adding asset management planning as a key need moving forward at WSB and Shannon is the perfect person to lead this service.”

Prior to joining WSB, McGrath was the asset management planning director for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). In this role, she directed MnDOT’s agency-wide asset management planning including projects, research, policy, innovation, strategic planning and implementation in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders at the agency. She has also served various roles to aid in advancing asset management statewide and nationally.

“WSB is a leader in the infrastructure engineering industry and the way they deliver for their clients,” said McGrath. “I’m thrilled at the opportunity to partner with an innovative and collaborative team to advance asset management goals and objectives for clients of this fast-growing firm.”

McGrath joins the firm’s technology division but will work across the firm’s broad services areas across the United States.

WSB hires Travis Wieber to oversee the firm’s Midwest transportation efforts

As vice president, Wieber will lead WSB’s globally recognized transportation division

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that Travis Wieber has joined the organization as their vice president of transportation. Wieber joins the firm’s Fargo office where he will lead WSB’s transportation efforts throughout the Midwest.

As vice president of transportation, Wieber will support WSB’s transportation efforts and will oversee the firm’s growing portfolio of public and private transportation clients. This role will strengthen and expand the firm’s transportation services and solutions throughout the Midwest. For years, WSB has been delivering engineering services in and around the North Dakota region, but the addition of Wieber forms a stronger presence of boots on the ground, local expertise in the area.

“In 2021, we gained a lot of momentum across the United States through the way we’re delivering infrastructure projects for both owners and contractors,” said Jon Chiglo, chief operating officer at WSB. “The expertise that Travis brings to our team will only enhance our steady focus. He is known throughout our industry for his ability to lead and manage strong teams and I’m thrilled that he has chosen to join our firm at this exciting time.”

Wieber was most recently the delivery director of surface transportation and office leader at KLJ, a Bismarck-headquartered civil engineering firm. In this role, Wieber was responsible for the financial performance of the market segment. Throughout his career, he’s led several notable infrastructure projects throughout the Midwest including TH 53 Complete Streets in International Falls, Minn., US 85 & ND 23 Bypasses in Watford City, N.D., Sheyenne Street Reconstruction & I-94 Interchange in West Fargo, N.D., and the Emergency Highway Grade Raises and Dam in Devils Lake, N.D.

“WSB is changing the way our industry approaches digital delivery through 100% models and a commitment to innovation,” said Wieber. “This is an exciting time to be an engineer, and an even more exciting time to join a team of talented individuals, committed to cutting-edge tools, collaboration and partnerships that all lead to better projects.”

As division lead for the firm’s transportation team, Wieber will oversee WSB’s bridges and structures, roadway design, traffic engineering, transportation planning, right of way, transit planning and intelligent transportation systems services.

Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) – San Antonio Region Announces Christie Saenz as Chapter President

The Women’s Transportation Seminar – San Antonio Region (WTS-SAR) recently announced that Christie Saenz, WSB Senior Right of Way Specialist, will serve as President for their Executive Board beginning in January of 2022.

Saenz is an active member of WTS-SAR. Since joining in 2015, she has served in a number of leadership roles including Membership co-chair, Transportation YOU co-chair, Scholarship co-chair, co-Treasurer, and Treasurer. She also served as President-Elect for the 2021-chapter year.

“I am incredibly honored to be the next President of the WTS-SAR’s Executive Board. It is a privilege to work with an organization that elevates and supports women in our industry, as well as works to support our vibrant San Antonio region,” said Saenz. “I am thankful for this opportunity and for the wonderful people working in transportation, government, sustainability, and economic development that are part of our amazing organization.”

Saenz brings over 25 years of real estate experience to the table, having a diverse background working with both government agencies and various engineering firms.

Women’s Transportation Seminar was founded in 1977 by a group of pioneering women in transportation that realized women’s careers would benefit from professional development, encouragement, and recognition to support their advancement in transportation professions. Through its professional activities, networking opportunities, and unparalleled access to industry and government leaders, WTS is turning the glass ceiling into a career portal. You can learn more about the organization at wtsinternational.org.

James Lowe Joins WSB as Director of Municipal Services – Texas

Lowe will focus on identifying key clients and pursuits with Texas municipal clients.

Design and consulting firm WSB announced today that James Lowe joined the organization as its new director of municipal services. Lowe joins the firm’s Austin office where he will lead WSB’s expansion of municipal services across Texas.

Lowe has over 20 years of experience with environmental and municipal services. In his new role, he will develop strategies to elevate and grow clients, pursue key municipal projects, and hire talent in regions and municipalities across Texas with significant growth opportunities. He will also serve as a technical resource for Transportation Planning and NEPA/Environmental pursuits and projects.

“James’ experience will be vital to our growth in Texas,” said WSB vice president of Texas operations Jay Kennedy. “He is well-known for his municipal experience throughout the central Texas region, and we are eager for him to lead and help grow WSB’s footprint across the state and country.”

Prior to joining WSB, Lowe was the division manager and Texas NEPA group manager/Austin office manager for Atkins North America. Throughout his career, he has held multiple environmental roles in the state of Texas, providing oversight, conducting environmental studies, and servings as project director on a variety of projects. He also led business development activities and proposal development.

“I’m excited to join WSB at this time in their growth story,” said Lowe. “There are a lot of opportunities for us to proactively support our clients, and I am ready to jump in to help meet their infrastructure needs.”

WSB expanded operations into Texas in 2017. Over the last four years, the firm has worked closely with clients to provide engineering, planning, environmental, and construction services throughout the state to both the public and private sectors. Lowe’s strategic hire adds to WSB’s momentum in the state and will help to grow client and partner relationships to support their infrastructure needs.

WSB Receives International Award for Highway 169 Redefine – Elk River Digital Delivery Project

WSB was recognized by Bentley Systems, a software company used by the architecture, engineering and construction industry around the world.

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that they were internationally recognized for their work on the Highway 169 Redefine – Elk River project. The project was the first in the state to be delivered to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) through paperless plans. WSB was selected by Bentley Systems as a Founder’s Honoree at the 2021 Year in Infrastructure (YII) and Going Digital Awards.

“To be recognized as not only a national leader, but a global leader in our space, is a tremendous honor,” said Bret Weiss, President and CEO of WSB. “We are proud of how our staff have embraced the push into technology and advanced solutions. We made a commitment to be a leader in our industry and this international award is a testament to our collective commitment to that goal.”

Bentley Systems is a software development company that supports the professional needs of those responsible for creating and managing the world’s infrastructure, including roadways, bridges, airports, skyscrapers, and industrial and power plants, as well as utility networks.

“The TH 169 project in Elk River is the pattern that I hope will get repeated throughout the United States,” said Keith Bentley, founder and chief technology officer of Bentley Systems.

The Founder’s Honoree award recognizes special projects, individuals or organizations that have set the precedent for infrastructure projects going digital, for environmental / social achievements or advancing the infrastructure profession. The YII is a global event, hosted by Bentley, for executives and practitioners in the world of infrastructure design, construction and operations, who are focused on best practices in technologies for going digital.

“We are proud of this award and look forward to continuing to advance our project delivery now and in the future,” said Jon Chiglo, WSB’s COO. “We will keep moving forward and we’ll continue to drive fast in our industry to set the bar when it comes to technology and supporting our clients and partners with cutting-edge solutions.”

The Highway 169 Redefine – Elk River project will redesign and reconstruct three miles of Highway 169 to a new freeway system through Elk River. WSB is responsible for delivering the final design. The project is a partnership project with MnDOT, the city of Elk River and Sherburne County.

St. Paul Park GAC Treatment Plant receives APWA-MN Honorable Mention for Project of the Year

The St. Paul Park water treatment facility recently received an honorable mention for this year’s 2021 Minnesota Chapter APWA Project of the Year Award. The APWA Awards program recognizes excellence in public works.

The Granular Activated Carbon Water Treatment Plant was constructed to support public health by bringing cleaner drinking water to residents and businesses within the St. Paul Park community. The implementation of the plant has improved water quality and reduced the impact of harmful contaminants on community residents. To support the city’s vision for providing a sustainable solution, WSB performed services for design, bidding and construction administration and observation.

WSB is honored to partner with the city of St. Paul Park and Magney Construction on a project that has positively impacted the community of St. Paul Park.

WSB Director of Operations Chris Petree receives Hugo G. Erickson Award by the American Public Works Association – Minnesota Chapter

Chris Petree, WSB’s Director of Operations, was awarded the Hugo G. Erickson Award from the American Public Works Association – Minnesota Chapter (APWA-MN) on November 18, 2021, at the organization’s Annual Fall Conference.

The Hugo G. Erickson Award is presented to an individual who has provided years of superior service to the chapter, as well as assisted in furthering the chapter’s successful operation and goals. Petree has been involved in APWA-MN since 2000 and has served on many committees throughout his tenure, most notably serving as APWA-MN Chapter President in 2017. He is also the current Chapter Delegate.

In addition to this recent achievement, Petree is also the 2021 recipient of the American Public Works Association National Harry S. Swearingen Award for Outstanding Chapter Achievement and Excellence in Chapter service.

“I am honored and humbled by such a prestigious honor,” said Petree. “APWA-MN has played a vital role in shaping my career and I am so proud to be part of an organization committed to the public works profession. To be recognized by my peers and colleagues is truly special and I’m grateful that I serve alongside some of our industry’s best and brightest.”

WSB CEO Bret Weiss Elected to Lead the Minnesota Chamber Board of Directors as its 2021-22 Chair

Bret Weiss, president and CEO of WSB, was elected by the Minnesota Chamber to lead their Board of Directors as their 2021-22 Chair. The announcement was made official Nov. 18 at the Minnesota Chamber’s 2021 Economic Summit at the Omni Vikings Lake Hotel.

Weiss joined the Minnesota Chamber in 2010 to broaden WSB’s reach in the business community. Since, then he’s been heavily involved in the Chamber’s programs. He has served on the Board of Directors since 2017 and has been a member of the Foundation Board since 2019. He has also played an instrumental role in the Chamber’s Leadership Minnesota and Leaders Lab programs.

“The Chamber is a powerful connection point for Minnesota’s business community,” said Weiss. “We have a singular focus on improving the business environment to allow all businesses to be successful. My priorities over the next year are to work with our Board to grow opportunities for all employers, employees and entrepreneurs. We will concentrate on building connections across all businesses to enhance the impact we can have on Minnesota communities. I am honored to represent the business community and the Chamber as Board Chair.”

The Minnesota Chamber is a statewide organization representing more than 6,300 businesses of all types and sizes – and more than a half a million employers – through Minnesota. The Board is volunteer-based and represents businesses of all types and sizes across Minnesota. Weiss credits the Chamber for helping him think differently about business and strengthening WSB’s connections with the business community outside of the AEC industry.