Benton Harbor-based Wightman appointed four new associates to its ownership program and promoted staff.
At a recent board of directors meeting, Wightman named Mike Lewallen, Maria Benz-Weeden, Derek Miller and Fred Peters as shareholders.
- Lewallen has over 20 years of survey experience in the industry. He joined Wightman in 2022. Lewallen’s responsibilities include client development, processing survey data, drafting, scheduling field crews and solving surveying challenges.
- Maria Benz-Weeden began her career at Wightman in 2020 as an engineering intern. Since then, she has become a licensed professional engineer. Benz-Weeden has a background in bridges and culvert inspection and design, roadway construction and site management.
- Derek Miller joined Wightman in 2019, bringing with him five years of field experience. He received his professional engineer license in 2022. Miller is focused on creating sustainable ideas and answers for municipal clients and in site design.
- Fred Peters began his career at Wightman in 2019 as a survey field technician through an internship. He returned in 2020 and 2021 before joining the team full-time in 2023. Peters achieved his professional Michigan surveyor license in 2025. He is responsible for developing client relationships, scheduling field crews and providing deliverables to clients.
Wightman also promoted Samuel Leatch, Dan Yerks, Ryan Miller and Mike Freemant to senior associate positions. Phil Doorlag, formerly senior associate, was promoted to principal associate.
“Ownership is not just a title, it is a responsibility to our colleagues, our clients and the communities we serve,” said Brian Lieberg, director of surveying and board of directors chairman, in a press release. “Each new owner has earned the respect of their peers through their dedication, expertise and commitment to Wightman’s values. We are confident that their contributions will have a lasting, positive impact on Wightman’s future.”
The board of directors reaffirmed its members during the annual shareholder’s meeting. Lieberg serves as chairman, Doorlag as secretary and Mary Nykamp as treasurer. Trustees include Greg Monberg and Lee Petcu, Jr.
Wightman is an architecture, civil engineering and surveying firm. Wightman has offices in Allegan, Benton Harbor, Hastings, Kalamazoo, Royal Oak, Southgate and South Haven Michigan, as well as Fort Wayne, Plymouth, Portage and South Bend, Indiana.
