May 10, 2024

Building the next level of leadership strengthens the firm as it continues to build a national presence.

Denver, Colo. – Fast-growing design and consulting firm WSB today announced the expansion of leadership in its Colorado region. The firm leads the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry while establishing itself as a national firm that supports infrastructure— the places, spaces and systems that support our lives.

WSB recently promoted several staff to directors across all regions including Colorado/California, Minnesota/North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas and the southeastern U.S. With an expanding footprint, more service offerings and increased expertise throughout each region, the firm is eager to elevate the next level of leadership. Recently promoted to directors in the Colorado/California region include:

• Mark Andrew | Director, Contract Administration  
• Richard Zamora | Director, Geotechnical Services  
• Saeed Sobhi | Director, Traffic  

Through an aggressive growth strategy, WSB is expanding into new markets and geographies while continuing to make strategic investments in cutting-edge tools and technology.  In fall of 2023, WSB acquired EST, a respected civil structural and construction engineering consulting firm with offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and California. In addition, WSB announced in February 2024 the acquisition of AE Engineering, Inc. (“AE”), a high-growth transportation infrastructure firm based in Jacksonville, Florida. With the addition of these two firms, WSB now operates with more than 1,250 employees across the U.S.

“Now more than ever, we are committed to not only the growth of our firm, but also the growth of our staff,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “I am excited to develop additional leadership throughout each region of the U.S., and I know these elevated directors will provide a strong foundation for our staff moving forward. With their guidance, I am certain we will continue to make a positive impact on the communities we serve.”

WSB, headquartered in Minnesota, was founded in 1995. Since then, the firm has expanded its markets and service offerings to meet the needs of its clients. After recent acquisitions, the Colorado region was strengthened even more. Today, the firm offers services in more than 50 areas, employs more than 1,250 people and has expanded its markets across the U.S.

May 9, 2024

WSB is proud to announce our newly promoted staff. Annually, we recognize the staff who display leadership, determination and expertise in their field. Each staff member consistently brings different elements of our values, results and leadership into their work.  We are dependent on the continual development of new talent and leadership to build our success and support our growth.  We are fortunate to have such strong and committed leaders at WSB that have chosen to invest their careers with us.  Each of the staff members below have made a commitment to the company, clients and each other to lead by example and help us improve each day. Congratulations!

Principals

• Ben Barker | Director, Right of Way
• Brad Martin | Vice President, Construction
• Buddy Williams | Vice President, Strategy
• Caleb Austin | Vice President, Transportation
• Chad DeMenge | Director, Contract Administration
• DJ Sosa | Senior Project Manager
• Gary Evans | Vice President, Construction
• Jeremy Kilbo | Director, IT Operations
• Karne Newburn | Vice President and General Counsel
• Kelly Selman | Vice President, Transportation
• Kevin Kriewall | Director, Contract Administration
• Liz Weber | Director, Financial Planning and Analysis
• Loyl Bussell | Director, Structures
• Mike Vahabzadegan | Executive Vice President, Strategy
• Paul Jesaitis | Vice President, Transportation
• Paul Poynter | Director, Structures
• Rick Johnson | Vice President, Operations
• Tracey Friggle-Logan | Vice President, Strategy

Senior Associates

• Amber Freeman | Director, PMO
• Brandon Sparkman | Director, Transportation Design
• Brent Frank | Director, Contract Administration
• Bryan Pittman | GIS Lead
• Carla Easton | Director, Municipal Services
• Chris Serrano | Director, Municipal Services
• Darin Metzer | Director, Materials
• Ed Souri | Director, Geotechnical Services
• Eric Grow | Controller
• Gordon McPhee | Vice President, Digital Solutions
• Jay Adams | Proposal Coordinator
• Jenn Edison | Sr. Project Manager
• Josh Golleher | Director, Materials
• Kathy Hurst | PMO Manager
• Laine Peitzmeier | Project Manager
• Mark Andrew | Director, Contract Administration
• Mark Barrett | Senior Director, Geotechnical Services
• Matias Mendez | Director, Geotechnical and Pavement Services
• Michael Skoviera | Technology and Design Team Manager
• Mike Bostic | Director, Contract Administraion
• Mohamed Elyazgi | Project Manager
• Mykol Woodruff | Director, Contract Administration
• Nolan Harvey | Director, Municipal Services
• Pete Regan | Director, Strategy
• Raffi Dermendjian | Project Engineer
• Richard Zamora | Director, Geotechnical Services
• Saeed Sobhi | Director, Traffic
• Sarah Rohne | Director, Human Resources
• Shawn Napier | Director, Civil Site Development
• Steve Allen | Director, IT Service Management
• Tony Terrell | Director, Utilities Management
• Trevett Cullers | Executive Business Partner
• Valerie Brennan | Director of Marketing

Associates

• Ananna Anu | Engineer II
• Angellia Points | Senior Project Manager
• Brian Cales | Director, Water/Wastewater
• Brian Mielke | Senior Right of Way Specialist
• Christie Saenz | Area Manager, Right of Way
• Colin Schultz | CDOT Coordinator
• Dale Routon | Director, Human Resources Operations
• Haley Corbit | Field Services Supervisor
• Hamideh Etemadnia | Senior Transportation Modeler/Engineer
• Isabel Panek | Professional Engineer I
• Javier Garcia | Project Manager
• Jennifer Mullins | Design Technology Manager
• John Bradford | Senior Project Manager
• Jordan Gedrose | Landscape Architect
• Jose Sandoval | Senior Design Manager
• Kory Bonnell | Director, Environmental Compliance
• Kyle Stender | Senior Project Manager
• Mallori Fitzpatrick | Professional Engineer I
• Mark Watson | Director, Materials
• Matt Indihar | Senior Project Manager
• Misti Daigle | Lead City Ambassador
• Nickie Stephenson | Sales Enablement Manager
• Paul Sandy | Sr. Project Manager, Municipal
• Ranuel Ortiz | Area Manager, Municipal
• Reddy Erra | Design Team Lead
• Richard Harper | Director, Contract Administration
• Rob Reed | Sr. Structural Engineer
• Ryan Earp | Director, Public Engagement
• Shannon Heitmann | Senior Design Manager
• Tyler Purdom | Engineer

May 2, 2024

Engineering News-Record (ENR) has recognized WSB in the Top 500 Design Firms List of 2024. WSB is honored to have ranked #134 on the list moving up 44 places from last year. This is the 12^th consecutive year WSB has been included on the list.

Each year, ENR completes an annual survey that ranks companies throughout the United States according to the revenue for design services performed. Covering topics such as business management, design, construction methods, technology, safety, law, legislation, environment and labor, ENR provides industry professionals with information to do their jobs more effectively.

Since WSB was founded 25+ years ago, we have committed to continuous growth not only in the communities we serve but across the nation. Our strong values, collaboration, dedication to our relationships and forward-thinking ideas have positioned us to grow each year. We aim to discover innovative solutions that look beyond the needs of today’s infrastructure and prepare us and our clients for the future.

WSB staff and their bold ideas and resilient work ethic are what allow this firm to thrive. We would like to thank our staff for their diligent efforts and for advancing WSB and the industry. We look forward to continued partnerships with clients and building what’s next in infrastructure.

The addition of Votaw and McPhee will improve WSB’s capabilities and opportunities for staff and clients.

September 28, 2023

Design and consulting firm WSB announced the expansion of leadership within their company. Waymon Votaw has been hired as vice president of oil and gas operations, and Gordon McPhee has joined as vice president of digital solutions. The addition of these roles place WSB in a strong position as they continue to advance infrastructure. 

“Bringing Waymon on our team to oversee operations will strengthen our Oil and Gas division immensely,” said John Gerlach, vice president of oil and gas. “Waymon has an extensive background in the development and asset management of water, energy and power infrastructure and his leadership skills are unmatched. I look forward to seeing Waymon’s positive impact on the Oil and Gas division and our clients.”

Votaw will focus on day-to-day work of the division, finding ways to improve efficiencies and better manage our system and projects. In addition, he will support the firm’s efforts to provide career development pathways and professional opportunities for staff within the Oil and Gas division.  

“I was struck by WSB’s core values: bold, visionary, optimistic, passionate and authentic,” said Votaw. “I apply those qualities to my work, and once I saw them— I knew I wanted to be part of the environment they have at WSB. I am excited to support our clients and staff in this position.”

McPhee is another addition to WSB. As vice president of digital solutions, he will focus on creating, integrating and executing strategy and solutions to advance technology in all our service areas.

“Gordon has a wide variety of industry experience, and his broad background in engineering and knowledge in technology is critical to the growth and development of WSB,” said Jon Chiglo, WSB’s chief operating officer. “He is a valuable asset to our team. His capabilities will continue to strengthen our digital presence throughout our entire firm— improving the overall experience, results and value for our projects and clients.”

“I look forward to the challenge,” said McPhee. “Technology is the future and finding more ways to implement that into a company that is already leading the industry in that area is very exciting. I always want to work toward the next project, and I really appreciate that WSB strives to stay ahead of the curve.”

The fast-growing firm continues to expand its reach across the country. Through the hiring of multiple high-level positions, the firm has welcomed many new faces to leadership with innovative ideas to move business forward.

EST’S STRONG FOOTPRINT SOLIDIFIES THE FIRM’S GROWING PRESENCE IN THE SOUTHERN AND WESTERN U.S.

September 20, 2023

WSB, one of the nation’s fastest growing Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) firms, with 17 offices across five states, today announced an acquisition of EST, a comprehensive engineering firm based in Oklahoma City, Okla. The partnership represents progress towards WSB’s strategic growth goals and will strengthen the firm’s presence in the southern and western United States.

EST’s depth and knowledge in transportation, construction engineering and inspection (CE&I) and municipal infrastructure expertise complements WSB’s service offerings and expertise. EST also brings years of experience working closely with state departments of transportation and across the government market.

“WSB is growing from a position of strength,” said Bret Weiss, WSB’s president and chief executive officer. “We are strategically adding new capabilities that complement our existing service offerings and expertise. EST is an outstanding firm with a strong culture and entrepreneurial spirit. Together, we’re now able to offer our clients new services and even deeper expertise through shared learnings and best practices, reinforcing the value of a partnership with WSB.”

WSB has significantly expanded its geographic footprint, acquiring 19 offices across four southern and western states, and has grown its talent base, adding more than 350 employees. The combined strength now gives WSB 36 offices nationwide and more than 1,100 employees to better serve its clients in the government, commercial and energy markets.

“WSB and EST are an excellent match in many ways,” said Michael Vahabzadegan, EST’s president and chief operating officer. “Our cultures align significantly, and so do our business goals. Our operations will integrate well and will provide us with more access to talent, technology and approaches to better serve our clients and partners.”

WSB and EST will work together to develop a single go-to market approach as WSB in the coming months. This is WSB’s third acquisition in the southwest. In September 2019, the firm acquired Houston-based Nathelyne A. Kennedy & Associates, Inc., and Rogers Design Services in 2018.

GHK Capital Partners LP (“GHK”) completed a majority recapitalization of WSB in August 2023. This acquisition of EST is WSB’s first in partnership with GHK and establishes a scalable, national platform to expand across the US critical infrastructure consulting space.

The fast-growing design and consulting firm first established a presence in Baxter in 2015.

September 13, 2023

WSB, a design and consulting firm, announced the expansion of their office in Baxter, Minn. The firm has relocated to the Johnson Center located at 14275 Golf Course Drive. The 2,360-square-foot space represents WSB’s further investment in the central Minnesota region.

“WSB’s Baxter office is a vital part of our operations,” said Monica Heil, WSB’s vice president of municipal services. “Our Baxter team serves a large region of the state, and the infrastructure needs of the surrounding communities continue to grow. We’re excited for the opportunity to support the region, and our expanded office strengthens our presence and provides more visibility.”

WSB first entered the central Minnesota region in 2015 with the opening of their Baxter office. Over eight years later, the firm is proud to continue investing in the region. The strategic office expansion and location of the Baxter office is appealing because of its accessibility to local clients and staff.

The Baxter office will support the development of infrastructure for counties and cities in central Minnesota. WSB will continue to build their team and focus on project delivery in the area.

“We have strong existing relationships with partners and clients in the Brainerd/Baxter area,” said Paul Sandy, WSB’s municipal senior project manager. “This office space and expansion allows us the opportunity to continue working with existing clients while expanding our footprint in northern Minnesota to provide services to clients we may not have worked with in the past. In a place developing as quickly as Crow Wing County and surrounding jurisdictions, we are eager to continue building our resume in the region and providing our clients with cutting-edge solutions to support their infrastructure and asset management needs.”

WSB currently serves as the city engineer in the city of East Gull Lake and supports other cities in the area such as Brainerd, Baxter, Breezy Point, and neighboring jurisdictions throughout northern Minnesota.  With geographic presences in St. Cloud, Baxter, Duluth, and Fargo, WSB services all northern Minnesota through collective office expertise.

Since moving to Baxter in 2015, more notable projects in the Brainerd/Baxter area include WSB serving as the lead design firm managing design and construction quality for the Highway 371 Design Build project from Nisswa to Jenkins, the College Drive Reconstruction Project from County Road 48 to Quince Street in Brainerd, and the newly constructed Lyman P. White Park located on the banks of the Mississippi River in Brainerd.

The design and consulting firm’s Texas expansion is part of their strategic growth plans.

August 1, 2023

Design and consulting firm WSB, announced today the expansion of their Texas presence with the opening of their new office in Tyler, Texas. The firm has signed a lease for 2,227 square-feet in the Pruitt Place Office at 1015 Pruitt Place, No. 102. This office opening in Tyler signifies a continuation of WSB’s geographic growth strategy.

“We take pride in our developing firm and the expanded growth in the Texas region,” said Jay Kennedy, WSB’s vice president of Texas operations. “Texas has a variety of large infrastructure projects on the horizon. We look forward to the opportunity to support the state’s infrastructure needs in a larger capacity.”

The firm first established a Texas presence in 2017. Six years later, WSB has successfully launched five office spaces in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Round Rock and now Tyler. WSB is a fast-growing firm and will continue to invest in the Texas region.

WSB develops infrastructure across the country in the government, commercial and energy markets. They are a leader in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, and continue to serve each project and community through advanced project delivery and innovation.

“With new spaces comes new opportunities,” said Bryan Hodges, director of transportation design in Texas. Hodges is based in the Tyler office and leads the firm’s presence in the Tyler area. “The opening of the Tyler office allows us to further establish our presence in Texas. This additional office provides even more communities and clients with our expertise and innovation to aid their infrastructure projects. With the Tyler office, we can continue to build for the future.”

The firm already has a presence in the Tyler area. Recently, WSB was selected to provide General Engineering and Project Management Services for the City of Tyler Capital Improvement Plan. These projects will include street improvement, traffic engineering and drainage improvements. Additionally, WSB has completed a city-wide traffic-signal inventory.

WSB is a forward-thinking firm that provides engineering, community planning, environmental and construction services. With 17 offices throughout the United States, the firm continues to expand their reach and build what’s next in infrastructure.

The Zweig Group, the leading research, publishing and advisory services resource for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, has honored WSB with two awards in marketing.

Every year, the organization offers an awards program that specifically recognizes outstanding work within the AEC industry throughout North America.

Award entries are judged by a team of marketing professionals and evaluated based upon overall creativity, messaging, results achieved by the campaign, and level of design.

WSB Newsletter Volume 4, Issue 2 | External Newsletter | Second Place

Twice a year, WSB publishes an external newsletter. For over 10 years, WSB has mailed a newsletter highlighting projects, innovations, techniques, and news. We feel there is still value in a well-done printed piece. Issuing a newsletter helps us tell our WSB story in a broader way than digital marketing.

This newsletter focused on the work we have done across the country. Our growth has been significant both in our staff, offices, and projects. Click here to view the newsletter.

2022 Year In Review | Internal Newsletter | Third Place

Since 2009, WSB has published our annual Year In Review. This publication recaps the previous year and is distributed at our firm’s annual celebration. The goal is simple – to tell the story of WSB to our staff. In recent years, we have grown significantly both in staff size and geography. The stories of how we are building what is next in infrastructure across the country are important for our staff to hear. It helps us reconnect to our mission and reminds us of what we work together towards. Click here to view the 2022 Year in Review publication.

The complete list of Marketing Excellence Winners can be accessed here: Marketing Excellence Award (zweiggroup.com)