News

WSB Celebrates Marketing Excellence

July 9, 2025

WSB has recently been honored with several prestigious awards and recognitions that highlight our commitment to innovation and excellence in marketing. These achievements are a testament to the incredible talent, creativity, and hard work of our entire team. 

Zweig Marketing Excellence Award 

WSB has proudly won a Zweig Marketing Excellence Award for our WSB Athletic Ambassadors campaign – Leveraging NIL Deals to Build Brand Awareness. This unique and innovative approach earned us 2nd place for Integrated Marketing. Zweig Group, the leading research, publishing, and advisory services resource for firms in the AEC industry, has recognized our efforts—making this award even more special.  

Finalists in the 2025 SMPS Marketing Communications Awards 

WSB is also excited to announce that we are finalists in FOUR categories for the 2025 SMPS Marketing Communications Awards! This marks our first time entering this program, and we are honored to be competing alongside some of the largest firms in the AEC industry. The categories in which we’re finalists are: 

• Digital Brochure: WSB Digital Lifecycle 

• Print Brochure: WSB Firm Overview 

• Internal Newsletter: Year in Review 2023 

• Advertising: Minnesota High School Partnership Ad and Commercial 

Winners for these categories will be announced in August at the SMPS National Conference.  

These achievements underscore WSB’s leadership and innovation in marketing within the AEC industry. We’re honored to be recognized with these prestigious awards, which highlight the impact of our creative campaigns and strategic initiatives. 

WSB Welcomes Gabriel Odreman

July 8, 2025

The firm strategically hires Odreman to strengthen leadership in Houston.

Houston, Texas – WSB, a forward-thinking design and consulting firm, today announced that Gabriel Odreman has joined the firm as director of program management in Houston, TX. With over 16 years of experience in civil engineering, construction management, and transportation design, Gabriel brings exceptional expertise and a proven track record of impactful leadership that will strengthen WSB’s presence in Texas.

Gabriel has spent the last seven years managing a $100+ million mobility bond program, overseeing more than 20 infrastructure projects and coordinating with over 30 consultants. His deep understanding of municipal and county projects, coupled with his dedication to client relationships, has solidified him as a trusted leader in the industry. As director of program management, Gabriel will lead a talented team at WSB, further growing the firm’s transportation and design services across Houston and beyond.

“I’m honored to join WSB and excited to contribute to the firm’s vision of building strong, sustainable communities,” said Gabriel Odreman. “The culture, innovation, and commitment to excellence at WSB align perfectly with my values. I look forward to collaborating with the team to expand our transportation and municipal work across Texas.”

“Gabriel is a true professional who embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and client-focused approach that WSB is known for,” said David Balmos, vice president of strategy. “His extensive experience and reputation in the Houston market make him an excellent fit for our team, and we’re excited to see the impact he will make.”

This addition reflects WSB’s commitment to strategic growth in the Texas market, with a vision to expand its transportation services in the region while establishing a national footprint.

WSB Welcomes Eric Dargan as Director of Municipal Strategy

July 1, 2025

Strategic Hiring Strengthens WSB’s Presence in Houston.

Houston, Texas – WSB, a rapidly growing design and consulting firm, today announced the addition of Eric Dargan as director of municipal strategy for the Houston market area.  

With more than 20 years of experience serving the City of Houston, including his tenure as chief operating officer for Houston Public Works, Dargan brings unmatched expertise and a deep understanding of municipal operations to the role. His leadership will focus on strengthening WSB’s brand and relationships in Houston and other cities in the surrounding region. 

Jay Kennedy, vice president of municipal services, emphasized Dargan’s proven leadership and ability to connect with communities. “Eric’s expansive knowledge of municipal operations and his strong relationships within the City of Houston position him perfectly to advance our firm’s presence in the region. His leadership is an exciting step forward for WSB as we deliver innovative solutions and serve our communities.” 

“Joining WSB presents an incredible opportunity to grow a business and expand its presence in Houston and throughout Texas,” said Eric Dargan. “I’m eager to leverage my experience to build relationships, solve problems and help communities thrive while representing WSB’s values.” 

Dargan’s strategic hiring positions WSB to better serve Houston. His extensive relationships and leadership experience in the Houston market and time spent as former president of American Public Works Association (APWA) Texas chapter will be pivotal in building lasting partnerships 

WSB Ranks #69 on Minnesota’s Largest Private Companies List

June 30, 2025

The Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal (MSPBJ) has released its 2024 Minnesota’s Largest Private Companies list and WSB is proud to be ranked #69.

This annual list recognizes the top privately held companies in Minnesota, ranked by annual revenue. It highlights the strength, growth, and impact of businesses across the state.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our clients and partners; your trust and collaboration continue to drive our growth and success.

We also recognize our staff as this recognition is a direct result of the incredible work, dedication, and passion of our entire team.

View the full list: https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/subscriber-only/2025/06/12/minnesotas-largest-private-companies.html

Colorado Municipal Engineering Resource Guide

WSB is pleased to provide you with the Colorado Municipal Engineering Resource Guide. As a leader in civil engineering, planning, environmental and technology services for government agencies, we are committed to providing services that are transparent and understandable for staff and elected officials. Together, we can shape the world we live in.

Our industry frequently changes with new regulations and environmental concerns, and is full of acronyms. With this guide, we explain some of the issues that are most commonly addressed at the city council level. We hope it will be a resource for you and create opportunities for conversation that will produce a better understanding of the challenges you may face on a regular basis.
We invite you to explore this resource when you’re tasked with making engineering-related decisions.

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Bret Weiss Named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Heartland Award Winner 

We are proud to announce that Bret Weiss, President and CEO of WSB, has been named a winner of the Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Heartland Award. This prestigious recognition honors leaders of high-growth companies who are redefining the future through innovation, purpose, and bold leadership. 

The Heartland region includes entrepreneurs from Minnesota, the Dakotas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Winners were selected by an independent panel of judges composed of past award recipients, top CEOs, and regional business leaders. Candidates were evaluated based on long-term value creation, entrepreneurial spirit, purpose-driven leadership, and measurable impact on their industries and communities. 

For over four decades, EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year program has celebrated the visionaries who are transforming industries and creating lasting legacies. The 2025 Heartland Award recognizes Bret Weiss’s commitment to innovation, his people-first leadership philosophy, and his role in shaping WSB into a forward-thinking, technology-driven design and consulting firm. 

“These remarkable leaders exemplify what it means to grow a business while placing a strong emphasis on their employees, customers, and the communities they serve,” said Erin Donovan, EY Partner and Heartland Program Director. 

As a regional winner, Bret Weiss will now advance to the national stage, where he will be considered for the Entrepreneur Of The Year® National Awards at the Strategic Growth Forum® in November. The national winner will go on to represent the United States at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Awards in June 2026. 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Bret on this well-deserved honor and thank him for his continued leadership and vision. 

WSB Ranks #61 on Engineering News-Record Texas & Southeast Top Design Firms 2025

June 16, 2025

We are proud to announce that WSB has been ranked #61 on the Engineering News-Record (ENR) Texas & Southeast Top Design Firms 2025 list.

This annual ranking by Engineering-News Record recognizes the largest U.S.-based design firms, both public and private, based on design-specific revenue. Earning a spot on this prestigious list reflects the strength of our work across the Texas and Southeast regions, and the continued growth of our presence in these markets.

This recognition reflects our continued growth, innovation, and commitment to delivering forward-thinking solutions that shape the communities we serve.

We thank our staff, partners, and clients for helping us achieve this milestone.

Texas & Southeast 2025 Top Design Firms | Engineering News-Record

Texas & Southeast Top Design Firms Saw Revenue Gains in 2024 | Engineering News-Record

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In addition to being ranked on ENR’s 2025 Texas and Southeast Top Design Firms lists, WSB is proud to be recognized nationally at #109 on ENR’s Top 500 Design Firms list—highlighting our continued growth and impact across the country.

WSB Announces Key Human Resources Leadership Promotions to Strengthen Operational Efficiency and Talent Strategy

June 12, 2025

Minneapolis, Minn. – Design and consulting firm WSB is pleased to announce the promotion of two key leaders within its Human Resources division as part of a broader effort to align HR operations with the company’s continued growth and evolving workforce needs.

Sarah Rohne has been promoted to Senior Director, Talent Planning & Partnerships. She will lead both the Human Resources Business Partner team and Talent Acquisition. This newly integrated function is designed to streamline how WSB plans, attracts, and retains talent. Establishing internal mobility and strategic workforce alignment across the organization.

Caitlin Austin has been promoted to Director, Talent Performance & Development. Expanding her previous role and leadership to include both Learning & Development and Performance Management. This combined focus will help WSB drive a more cohesive approach to coaching, accountability, and career advancement.

“These promotions reflect our commitment to building a more connected and strategic HR function,” said Tara Dresen, Chief Human Resources Officer at WSB. “By aligning talent planning, performance, and development under experienced leadership, we’re creating operational efficiencies that will better support our leaders and staff at every stage of the employee journey.”

The promotions are part of a larger Human Resources team restructuring. This will introduce four key areas of focus: Talent Planning & Partnerships, Talent Performance & Development, Benefits & Wellbeing, and HRIS & Total Rewards. This structure is designed to deliver a more integrated, data-informed, and people-centered experience for all WSB employees.

WSB Promotes Monica Heil to Senior Vice President

June 10, 2024

Heil’s promotion is a testament to her strong leadership at WSB in the municipal divisions.

Minneapolis, Minn.— WSB is proud to announce the promotion of Monica Heil, PE, to the role of senior vice president of municipal services. In this expanded leadership position, Heil will oversee WSB’s municipal services across the country, extending her influence and strategic direction beyond the Midwest.  

Heil has been a driving force in WSB’s municipal growth, bringing deep technical expertise, a client-first mindset, and a passion for innovation. Her leadership has helped shape successful partnerships with cities and counties, and her vision has guided the delivery of infrastructure solutions that improve communities.  

“Monica’s promotion reflects both her outstanding talent and our confidence that she will grow municipal services nationally,” said Jon Chiglo, chief operating officer at WSB. “She has consistently demonstrated the ability to build strong teams, deliver results, and elevate the way we serve our clients.”  

In her new role, Monica Heil will lead WSB’s municipal strategy, operations, and client engagement efforts across all regions. She will focus on expanding WSB’s presence in new markets, strengthening relationships with municipal clients, and driving innovation in service delivery.  

“I’m honored to take on this new role and excited to work with our talented teams across the country,” said Heil. “Working with municipalities is where WSB began its journey 30-years ago, and I look forward to continuing to build strong partnerships that help communities thrive.”  Heil has been with WSB for 12 years and has held various leadership roles within the firm. She is a licensed professional engineer and a respected voice in the municipal engineering community.

Newsletter | Volume 7 | Issue 1

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