WGM names veteran engineer as CEO
Matassa-Stone looks forward to building on firm’s history of success
WGM Group, Inc. proudly announces a leadership transition as it appoints Melissa Matassa-Stone, PE, LEED AP, as Chief Executive Officer. With an exemplary engineering career spanning two decades, Matassa-Stone brings unmatched expertise and vision to propel the 115-person team into the future.
Matassa-Stone previously served as co-CEO of WGM with Ryan Salisbury, PE, LEED AP, and Jeff Smith, PE, LEED AP, upholding the company’s legacy under a shared leadership model. Together, the trio successfully navigated the planning and design firm’s profitable growth during the COVID-19 pandemic while still helping clients achieve their goals in creating healthy communities by improving both regional infrastructure and the natural environment.
During her tenure with WGM, Matassa-Stone has been instrumental in the establishment of the firm’s environmental team, leading work on projects including Missoula’s Milwaukee Trail, the Old Sawmill District, and Libby’s Riverfront Park. She also helped guide Brownfields Program work for the cities of Missoula and Kalispell and was the environmental lead for numerous Montana Department of Transportation projects across western Montana.
Matassa-Stone earned a master’s degree in Project Engineering and Management from Montana Tech and a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech. She is deeply engaged in community service and volunteerism throughout Montana. She serves as board treasurer of Climate Smart Missoula, is the president-elect of the Montana Section of the American Council of Engineering Companies and is a past board president of the United Way of Missoula County.
Commenting on her appointment, Matassa-Stone expressed her excitement, stating, “It’s an incredible privilege to lead WGM Group forward. Over the years, I've witnessed our team’s dedication to quality and collaboration as we serve our clients and communities. As CEO, I look forward to leading our talented team towards continued success and innovation.”
Simultaneously, former co-CEOs Salisbury and Smith transition to the positions of Executive Vice President of Planning & Development and Vice President of Community Development, respectively. Their new roles reflect their continued contributions and expertise in key areas, ensuring a seamless leadership transition.
To round out the leadership team, Mace Mangold, PE, LEED AP, transitions to Vice President of Infrastructure while Kyle Mace moves to Vice President of Water & Environment. Amy Ward, SHRM-CP, and Miranda Ming, CPA, retain their roles as Chief People Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, while Heather Steele moves into the Operations Director position.
WGM Group CEO Melissa Matassa-Stone, PE, LEED AP