MSA announced today the recognition of six individuals selected to receive corporate awards for their professional merits, honorable character and dedication to their work. Jeff Anderson, Angie Justman, Jason Laue, Jeff Seamandel, Diane Wessel and Ben Wilkinson were chosen as the recipients for 2022, in three different award categories: the Clem Safranek Outstanding Client Service Award, the Jim Hendricks Living Our Purpose Award and the CEO Award.

The Clem Safranek Outstanding Client Service Award recognizes individuals with a passion for building client relationships and a dedication to helping communities improve. Clem Safranek retired from MSA in 2016 after a 38-year career with the firm. An engineer by trade, Safranek went on to become the company’s Director of Business Development, creating a legacy culture built upon the client as the focal point. This year’s recipients of the Clem Safranek Award are Jeff Seamandel and Diane Wessel.

Jeff Seamandel is a public works project manager in MSA’s Rhinelander, Wisconsin, office. Jeff joined MSA in 1998 and has amassed a long tenure of experience in both municipal and private work, including the design and preparation of plans, specifications and cost estimates for a variety of project types and sizes.

Diane Wessel, AICP, MPA, ICMA-CM, joined MSA in 2021 as a community development specialist based in the firm’s Appleton, Wisconsin, office. With over 25 years of professional experience in Wisconsin local government, Diane brings a wealth of expertise and personal interest to her role, assisting communities with project funding acquisition, administration, planning and zoning projects.

The Jim Hendricks Living Our Purpose Award honors the late Jim Hendricks, MSA Controller of 34 years, who passed away unexpectedly in 2017. Known for his big personality, thoughtful demeanor, and belief in being a good citizen and steward of his community, the Jim Hendricks Living Our Purpose Award recognizes MSA employees who place the needs of others in front of their own in order to better serve the company and its clients. This year’s recipients are Jeff Anderson and Jason Laue.

Jeff Anderson, PE, is a senior environmental team leader in the firm’s Duluth, Minnesota, office. Jeff joined MSA in 2011 and has vast experience with environmental consulting, assessing, planning and remediation, including working closely with regulatory agencies in both Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Jason Laue, PE, is a public works team leader based in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Since joining MSA in 2003, Jason has worked on a wide variety of public works projects, including site planning and development, utility and roadway design, stormwater management, project management, permitting and construction observation for a both public and private clients.

The CEO Award dates back to 2002 and acknowledges individuals who emulate the company’s purpose and values — and achieve excellence in results through their efforts. The CEO Award recipients for 2022 are Angie Justman and Ben Wilkinson.

Angie Justman joined the firm in 2018 and serves as chief financial officer, leading MSA’s financial planning, management, capital structure and reporting endeavors. Serving from the Baraboo, Wisconsin, office, Angie provides leadership across all markets and service lines to ensure regulatory compliance, fiscal responsibility and sound business practice.

Ben Wilkinson, PE, is a senior team leader for the company’s traffic and roundabouts division. He first joined MSA in 1999, serving nearly 10 years as a transportation project manager. He returned to the firm with the acquisition of Ourston Roundabout Engineering in 2016, formally  launching the roundabouts practice at the company and establishing MSA as experts in the field.

“I’d like to extend an immense thank you and congratulations to all of this year’s corporate award winners,” comments Gil Hantzsch, CEO at MSA. “Jeff, Angie, Jason, Jeff, Diane and Ben are all truly deserving of the recognition, tirelessly devoting their time and talents to building trust with our clients and helping them succeed. It is individuals like these that have contributed to our company’s success for well over 100 years.”