Wightman Announces Appointment of Principal, Senior, and Associates to Ownership Program

Wightman, an employee-owned multi-disciplinary civil engineering, architecture, and survey firm, serving the Great Lakes region, recently announced several new appointments to the firm’s ownership program.

Wightman offers an ownership program to provide recognition to employees that demonstrate significant responsibility and positive performance with clients, leadership, people, and project development. Employee ownership at Wightman has been, and will continue to be, a foundation for the intrapreneurial spirit that builds the company and is needed to meet the company’s strategic plan.

The program is intended to provide a method to transition and sustain the firm legacy while attracting talent to build a cohesive team. The three classifications of ownership include Associates, Senior Associates, and Principal Associates.

Wightman Principal Associates have nominated Jeff Bradford to be elevated from Senior Associate to Principal Associate. Bradford, regional manager of the Benton Harbor survey team, has been with Wightman for 36 years.

Wightman Senior Associates have nominated four Associates to Senior Associate status: Brad DeVries, senior civil engineer; Alex Deneau, senior field technician within the engineering group; Aaron Smith, senior project manager in the survey department; and Bryan Styburski, construction services manager.

Additionally, four staff members were recognized by their peers and the Board of Directors for achieving Associate status. Brandon Hebard, licensed architect; Steve Gamba, survey project manager; Kyle Owen, civil engineer associate; and Nate Weinberg, field service technician are the newest owners in the firm.

“Each Associate, Senior Associate, and Principal Associate brings unique skills, proven leadership, and the ability to mentor staff that embodies the Wightman way of leadership,” said Chairman of the Board of Directors Brian Lieberg. “I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for our teams.”

By offering ownership opportunities to its staff, the Wightman Board of Directors maintains a long-term ownership transition plan and ensures that employees are aligned with its mission, values, and leadership traits, ensuring the health and viability of the firm.