Throughout 2025, Atwell leaders shared perspectives shaped by their experiences, collaborations, and a deep understanding of the markets we serve. From emerging data center strategies to renewable energy growth, program management, and community engagement, these insights reflect how our teams continue to lead with purpose while helping clients navigate change.
Below is a look back at Atwell leader insights from 2025, highlighting the ideas that helped define our year.
In January, Senior Vice President Jason Utton and Vice President Courtney Schmidt shared insights on the evolving data center market and the critical factors that influence successful site selection. Drawing on experience supporting complex developments nationwide, the discussion emphasized that identifying the right location requires more than available land. Power access, infrastructure capacity, permitting certainty, and long-term scalability all play a defining role.
In February, we honored National Engineers Week by highlighting Atwell engineers Rachel Sutherland, Lindsay Galarza, and Ray Holliday. They reflected on the deeper purpose behind their work and what it means to be an engineer in today’s built environment. They emphasized that engineering at Atwell is rooted in solving real-world problems that improve lives.
In March, during National Surveyors Week, we spotlighted the growing impact of women surveyors across the profession. The conversation highlighted Atwell’s Project Surveyor Tori Aper, Surveying Technician Verena Lake, and Project Surveyor Julie Reincke and focused on how diverse perspectives strengthen project outcomes, foster innovation, and build more resilient teams.
In April, Robert Mitchell, Construction Manager, shared insights on the value an owner’s representative brings to construction projects. Acting as an extension of the owner’s team, our professionals help align stakeholders, manage risk, and maintain momentum throughout the project lifecycle. This perspective reinforced the importance of proactive communication, accountability, and strategic oversight in delivering projects on time and on budget. Also in April, Danielle Peoples, Project Director for Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, explored why renewable energy feels right at home in rural America. Her insights focused on how solar and wind projects can coexist with agricultural land uses while delivering economic benefits to local communities. Success, Peoples noted, depends on early engagement, transparency, and long-term partnership with landowners and stakeholders, areas where Atwell’s local knowledge and national reach intersect.
In May, Courtney Schmidt and Tracey Dubuque, Vice President, addressed the differences and opportunities between project management and program management. As development portfolios expand, clients increasingly need a coordinated approach that aligns multiple projects under a unified strategy. The discussion highlighted how standardized processes, data-driven decision-making, and clear governance help organizations scale efficiently while maintaining consistency and control.
In August, Atwell leaders shared three complementary perspectives that underscored how policy, market forces, and disciplined execution are converging in today’s energy landscape. In one insight, Tracey Dubuque shared how recent federal legislation, often referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill, is igniting new opportunities in renewable energy while raising the stakes for thorough due diligence. Also in August, Courtney Schmidt and Chase Pelletier, Senior Director, shared how aligning schedules, budgets, stakeholders, and data across portfolios helps organizations respond more effectively to regulatory shifts, supply chain pressures, and evolving client expectations. The August insights concluded with a piece by Tracey Dubuque and Jason Minock, Senior Development Manager, Renewables. They explored the forces driving new demands in energy, including electrification, data center growth, manufacturing expansion, and grid modernization.
In September, Bourke Thomas, Vice President at Atwell, provided updates on federal environmental policy and the strategic considerations developers must account for when planning projects. He identified early environmental review, regulatory awareness, and proactive coordination as key drivers of schedule certainty. Also in September, Danielle Peoples participated as a featured panelist in the Resilient Communities webinar series, offering an inside look at solar development and local community benefits. September also featured insights from James Hall, Executive Vice President of Special Projects at Atwell. In his piece, Hall expanded on the 4 Ps of data center development: power, policy, place, and partnership. Further exploring the data center topic, Courtney Schmidt examined how access to power and connectivity influences decisions about data center locations.
In October, Atwell Project Manager Michael Keith turned his focus to the foundations of exceptional client service. He identified trust, transparency, and teamwork as essential elements in building lasting relationships and delivering consistent value. By fostering collaboration across disciplines and maintaining open communication, Atwell teams are able to anticipate challenges and respond with solutions tailored to client goals.
In November, Atwell Vice Presidents Jim Lowe and Eric Lord examined the onshoring effect and its role in driving rural manufacturing growth. They focused on how access to land, infrastructure investment, and strong partnerships are enabling the expansion of domestic manufacturing. Also in November, Don Manhard shared his perspectives following the addition of Manhard Consulting to the Atwell team, marking a milestone that strengthened our capabilities while reinforcing a shared commitment to client success.
In December, Danielle Peoples explored the intersection of data centers and community engagement. Bringing communities into conversations about data centers and emerging technologies is crucial for building trust and fostering long-term alignment. We wrapped up the year with reflections from Atwell CEO Matthew C. Bissett, who shared Atwell’s 2025 achievements and outlined a forward-looking vision for 2026 grounded in innovation, collaboration, and service.
As we look ahead, these insights reflect who we are as a firm and how we lead. Through continuous innovation, thoughtful partnership, and a commitment to building better outcomes, Atwell remains focused on helping our clients and communities succeed from concept to completion.
