Wightman Announces the Appointment of Steve Carlisle as President

Benton Harbor, Mich.—Wightman, an award-winning architecture, civil engineering, and surveying firm serving the Great Lakes region, proudly announces the appointment of Mr. Steve Carlisle, P.E. as its new President. With an impressive career in the civil engineering industry and a commitment to continuing Wightman’s service to its clients and people-centric company culture, Carlisle brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

With over 27 years of experience at Wightman, Carlisle has held various leadership positions within the firm. He began his career as a civil engineer before being promoted to project manager and client representative roles. Carlisle was named Director of Engineering in 2015. In 2022, he was appointed to the role of Government Sector Leader. He previously served on the firm’s Board of Directors from 2012-2023 in various positions, including several terms as Chairman.

Carlisle’s appointment reflects Wightman’s continued commitment to delivering client-centered solutions, fostering client relationships, and maintaining its position as a leader in the AEC industry. His strategic vision, combined with his dedication to excellence, positions him as the ideal leader to drive Wightman forward into its next phase of growth and development.

In his new role, Carlisle will oversee all aspects of Wightman’s operations and business development to achieve the firm’s strategic plan.

“We are thrilled to formally announce that Steve Carlisle will be taking over as the new president of Wightman,” said Brian Lieberg, Wightman’s Chairman of the Board. “Steve’s proven leadership abilities, industry knowledge, and commitment to Wightman make him the perfect fit to lead our firm into the future. We are confident that under his leadership Wightman will continue a path of growth, while still providing quality services and exceeding our clients’ expectations.”

Carlisle expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, sharing, “As I begin my role as Wightman’s sixth president in its 78-year history, I am filled with a profound sense of responsibility, excitement, and pride. It is an honor to lead such a talented and dedicated team, and I am committed to continuing Wightman’s strategic growth and positive impact on our clients, team members, and communities while supporting our engaging culture.

“Our clients are at the heart of everything we do, and I look forward to continuing to build lasting relationships that will help drive sustainable growth. Similarly, our greatest asset is our people, and I believe in empowering every member of our team to reach their full potential through a culture of trust, transparency, and continuous learning. The opportunity to lead Wightman aligns with my personal and professional aspirations, and I’m excited to continue the firm’s lasting legacy of success,” Carlisle added.

Carlisle’s presidency follows that of outgoing president Matt Davis, P.E., who served in the role since 2015. Davis led the firm with integrity, passion, and an eye for measured growth, and will continue working full-time at Wightman with a focus on complex business and client projects as well as talent recruitment and development across the firm.

Davis shared, “I’m honored to have served our clients, employees, and community for the past 10 years. Change in management is healthy and we need to lead by example to create opportunities for the next generation to grow and use their experience and leadership skills. I’ve been working with the board on this transition for over two years and am proud of how they considered internal candidates and selected Steve as our next president.

“Steve is the right person. His experience in operations, business development, and leading the board gives him a broad perspective of our clients and business. He seeks to understand people, caring about what they care about. The result is relationships built on trust and a high level of commitment to our strategic plan. I’m looking forward to my next season with Wightman and fully trust and support our board and Steve to lead us forward,” Davis added.

Carlisle’s appointment as president was officially confirmed on April 9 by the firm’s shareholders during their annual meeting.

Carlisle is a graduate of Michigan State University, having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He serves on the Board of Directors for the American Council of Engineering Companies/Michigan and Southwest Michigan First, is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and is a licensed Professional Engineer. He lives in Stevensville, Michigan, with his wife Lori and has two children.

To learn more about Wightman and its leadership change and process, visit https://gowightman.com/thoughtful-transition.