raSmith Welcomes Nicole Smullen, Adds Real Estate Acquisition Services

MADISON, Wis. — Nicole Smullen has joined raSmith as the real estate services manager in the transportation division at the firm’s Brookfield, Wis., office. Smullen will expand the firm’s capabilities by providing real estate acquisition services for infrastructure projects to public sector clients, including the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), counties, and local governments.

Smullen brings more than 20 years of experience in transportation infrastructure and utility coordination as a real estate services and utility project manager. Her expertise includes real estate acquisition and negotiation, plat and appraisal reviews, utility conflict resolution, and relocation planning for major roadway and infrastructure projects. She has extensive experience with WisDOT manuals, the Trans 220 process, and compliance with the Federal Uniform Act, giving her a vast understanding of state and federal requirements that guide successful project delivery. Smullen brings a cross-disciplinary, collaborative mindset to her work by organizing a team early in the project and ensuring everyone shares the objective of completing right-of-way acquisition on time to maintain construction schedules.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Nicole, whose real estate expertise will strengthen our team’s ability to support clients across complex projects,” said John Elkin, P.E., raSmith director of transportation services. “Her skills will not only elevate the transportation division’s integrated solutions, but also streamline coordination with multiple project stakeholders.”

Smullen is a WisDOT-approved Local Public Agency negotiation consultant, licensed as a real estate salesperson in Wisconsin, and is a member of the International Right of Way Association (IRWA). She holds a master’s degree in public administration and bachelor’s degree in criminology and law studies from Marquette University.

About raSmith

raSmith is a multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm established in the city of Brookfield, Wisconsin, in 1978. Our services include civil engineering, structural engineering, transportation and traffic, land surveying, geographic information systems (GIS), development management, landscape architecture, ecological services, construction services, LiDAR (3D laser scanning), and UAS (unmanned aircraft systems). We work on projects nationwide from our six locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, and California. The firm employs a staff of 220. For more information about raSmith, visit www.rasmith.com.

Mead & Hunt Announces Laurie Whitney as Architecture & Building Engineering Group Leader

MADISON, WIS. – January 28, 2026 – Mead & Hunt has announced Laurie Whitney as Architecture & Building Engineering (ABE) Group Leader. With 11 years at Mead & Hunt and nearly three decades of experience in architecture, Laurie brings diversified market expertise, a passion for developing people and capabilities, and a vision to transform communities through inspiring, innovative design.

“Laurie is a strategic thinker, and she believes when we invest in people, great results follow,” said Amy Squitieri, Chief Executive Officer. “She’s expanded our design and technology capabilities and built a reputation for delivering on ambitious goals. The ABE group’s future is in excellent hands.”

As Group Leader, Laurie will focus on evolving a forward-thinking, client-focused team that blends creativity with technical excellence. She is committed to empowering teams and future leaders, fostering innovation, and positioning Mead & Hunt as a trusted partner in shaping communities. Her deep knowledge of internal and external operations has also positioned her to play a key role in driving Mead & Hunt’s future-readiness initiative, guiding groups to unify processes, implement centralized systems, and support employees through change management.

Before joining Mead & Hunt in 2014, Laurie built her career across healthcare, education, military facilities, residential, and retail markets, giving her a uniquely well-rounded perspective on architectural practice. That breadth of experience, combined with her background as a former firm owner, prepared her for rapid growth at Mead & Hunt, working with public and private clients to deliver military, education, research, and aviation facilities. She joined as a project manager, became department manager for aviation facilities within a year, and was selected as architectural business unit leader for the eastern region soon after. Under her leadership, she tripled her team’s size and revenue, growing from delivering $20 million terminals to $200 million-plus projects.

“Since I was young, I’ve been drawn to the beauty of architecture and the built environment. I believe I was meant to create and give back, and Mead & Hunt’s values of putting people first and doing the right thing align perfectly with that purpose,” said Laurie. “Today, what drives me is understanding what a client wants and developing that into a space that meets their needs while bringing joy and inspiration. Our buildings are not just about architecture. We have engineers, interior architects and designers, and technology experts working collaboratively to create compelling spaces. This is an exciting time to be part of this dynamic group, as we embrace emerging technologies, expand into new markets, and strengthen our people-first focus.”

Beyond Mead & Hunt, Laurie is an active leader in the architecture and engineering community. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Society of American Military Engineers, where she recently chaired the National Architectural Practice Committee. Locally, she serves on the Madison College Architecture Advisory Board, inspires the next generation of AEC professionals through the ACE Mentor Program, and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity.

About Mead & Hunt

Mead & Hunt is a national, full-service engineering, architectural, planning, and construction services firm that has been serving clients for 125 years. Since its founding, the employee-owned firm has grown significantly in size and diversity and continues to rank in Engineering News-Record’s Top 100 Design Firms. Today, the company employs more than 1,400 people and works in a variety of markets, including aviation, transportation, cultural resources, food and beverage, renewable energy, water, and federal. For more information, visit www.meadhunt.com.

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Additional quotes or background information

• Laurie Whitney, Mead & Hunt ABE Group Leader

laurie.whitney@meadhunt.com   

608-443-0442

• Amy Squitieri, Mead & Hunt CEO

amy.squitieri@meadhunt.com  

608-443-0400

General media inquiries and photo requests:

• Meghan Stiklestad, Marketing Director
  meghan.stiklestad@meadhunt.com
• 608-443-0378

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mead-&-hunt

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Boardman Clark Welcomes New Attorneys Virginia Bartelt, Lindsey Cobbe, and Ashleigh Hacker

Boardman Clark is proud to announce the addition of three attorneys to the firm: Virginia Bartelt, Lindsey Cobbe, and Ashleigh Hacker. Each brings distinguished practices and years of experience to Boardman Clark.

Virginia Bartelt practices primarily in the areas of trust and estates, real estate, and business. Her clients include a wide variety of individuals, families, real estate investors, and business owners. Regardless of the type of work she’s doing, her goal is to provide her clients with practical solutions and to help them find peace of mind.

Lindsey Cobbe and Ashleigh Hacker are members of the firm’s Family Law Practice Group. Lindsey focuses her practice on divorce litigation and mediation, child custody and physical placement matters, and financial issues, including child support, maintenance, and property division. She also drafts marital property agreements (pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements) and cohabitation agreements. Ashleigh represents clients through all aspects of divorce litigation, and in child custody, child support, and maintenance cases. She has extensive experience working with business valuations, complex financial assets, intra-state jurisdictional issues, and Hague Convention matters, and also represents clients in appellate cases.

“Virginia, Lindsey, and Ashleigh are outstanding attorneys with excellent reputations in their fields,” says Marta Meyers, chair of Boardman Clark’s Family Law Practice Group. “We know our firm and our clients will benefit immensely from their insight and leadership.”

M3 Promotes Erik Vandermause to Chief Information Officer

M3 Promotes Erik Vandermause to Chief Information Officer

MADISON, WI – M3 is proud to announce the promotion of Erik Vandermause to Chief Information Officer and member of the firm’s executive operating committee, effective January 9, 2026. In this role, Vandermause leads M3’s digital strategy, driving transformation and advancing the firm’s next generation of growth and effectiveness.

Vandermause joined M3 in 2023 as Vice President of Applied Intelligence, where he led the firm’s data, analytics, digital, and CRM initiatives. His leadership in combining advanced technology with human insight has helped M3 deliver new levels of value for clients, employees, and partners.

Prior to joining M3, Vandermause served as a Managing Director at Accenture, helping insurance clients realize value from innovation in the front office. He also held several leadership positions at CUNA Mutual Group, including Director of Insurance Product Management and Vice President of Digital, Contact Centers, and Data.

“Erik’s wealth of experience in digital transformation and data-driven strategy has already made a significant impact on M3,” said Mike Moore, Chief Operating Officer and partner at M3. “As CIO, his vision and leadership will continue to strengthen our position as a forward-thinking organization focused on delivering exceptional and specialized outcomes for our clients.”

Vandermause earned his master’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Wisconsin –Madison and his bachelor’s degree in business administration from St. Norbert College.

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About M3

M3 Insurance is a top private and independent insurance broker and risk management firm in the nation. Recognized as a leader in the products it represents and the industries it serves, M3’s people act as an extension of each client’s team, providing world-class resources to help manage risk, secure insurance solutions, and deliver comprehensive employee benefits. With a strong commitment to community, M3 works to build better places to live and work. For more information on M3 visit M3ins.com.

Oak Bank Welcomes Aeron Polodna as Mortgage Loan Specialist

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank, a locally owned community bank committed to exceptional client service and community giving, is pleased to announce the addition of Aeron Polodna as its new Mortgage Loan Specialist.

In this key role, Aeron will execute both secondary market and in-house residential loans, contributing to all stages of the lending process. Aeron’s extensive background uniquely positions her to lead processing efforts, deliver excellent client service, and strengthen relationships with internal and external partners.

Aeron brings more than 15 years of experience specializing in consumer and mortgage lending. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, further grounding her professional expertise with a strong academic foundation.

Aeron shared , “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting borrowers while working alongside a team that truly values community impact. I look forward to contributing to Oak Bank’s mission and making a positive difference for our clients.”

Living on Madison’s west side with her husband, Patrick, and their Westie mix, Dot, Aeron volunteers as a chef with Lasagna Love, preparing and delivering home-cooked meals to neighbors in need. When she’s not assisting clients or cooking up a batch of lasagna, Aeron enjoys traveling, baking, and catching up on her favorite true-crime podcasts.

Melissa Torres, Vice President – Loan Operations, looks forward to the expertise, energy, and community spirit she brings to the organization noting, “Aeron’s depth of experience and passion for helping others make her an outstanding addition to our team. We are thrilled to welcome her to Oak
Bank.”

About Oak Bank
Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for over 25 years, meeting the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick answers, and creative solutions, all while supporting over 135 local nonprofits each year. Visit oak.bank to learn more.