With nearly three decades of field-to-office leadership experience across electric power transmission, renewable energy, telecommunications infrastructure, and professional services, David brings a rare blend of firsthand field expertise and executive-level strategy to the team. His career began in survey, construction layout, and tower erection before progressing into roles leading national business units and enterprise growth initiatives along with large-scale engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) programs.

Based in Colorado, David will focus on building out operational excellence in transmission and renewables, including wind and solar, while also drawing on his deep experience in telecom and fiber. He brings particular strength in subsurface utilities and supporting multidisciplinary teams across geospatial survey and aerial engineering.

Prior to joining Atwell, David led a number of high-profile projects including serving as Regional Manager on Pattern Energy’s SunZia project which is one of the largest clean energy infrastructure projects in the United States. SunZia is a 730-mile, 3.5 GW, 535 kV wind generation and transmission line spanning Arizona and New Mexico. Most recently, he served as Director on another significant effort- Nevada Energy’s Greenlink project, a 700-mile, 525 kV transmission project connecting the state.

David holds Bachelor of Arts, Juris Doctor, and Master of Laws degrees from the University of Missouri and the University of Denver.

Outside of work, David is a part-time fly-fishing guide on weekends and enjoys mountain biking and skiing in his home state of Colorado.

Please join us in welcoming David to the team!

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Blaze brings more than two decades of experience leading multidisciplinary surveying teams and delivering complex projects across land and infrastructure development with top engineering consultant firms. In his new role at Atwell, he will help drive our continued expansion, providing operational leadership, supporting project execution, and fostering strong client relationships. Blaze will also play a key role in developing talent and growing teams in strategic markets aligned with Atwell’s long-term growth strategy.

A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Blaze combines technical expertise with a disciplined, mission-driven approach to project delivery. His experience spans project types ranging from Government to environmental and major land development, boundary, topographic, and easement mapping, as well as bathymetric, and aerial surveying, leveraging technologies such as LiDAR, SLAM, and indoor mobile mapping.

Blaze holds a Master of Science in Survey Engineering Technology and a Bachelor of Science with a minor in Cadastral Land Surveying. He is a Licensed Land Surveyor (LLS) in Connecticut, a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) in Maine, and Rhode Island, and a Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) in Pennsylvania.

With Blaze joining the team, Atwell is well positioned to continue expanding its survey presence in key markets, supporting clients with innovative solutions while investing in the people and partnerships that drive long-term success.

Please join us in welcoming Chris Blaze, MS, LLS, PLS, RPLS, to Atwell.

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What inspired you to pursue a career in land surveying, and how has that evolved into supporting large-scale power and energy projects across the country?

My father was a professional land surveyor, and growing up around the profession gave me an early appreciation for the role surveyors play in shaping the built environment. As I got older, I realized surveying was a natural fit for my interests and strengths. I enjoyed mathematics, geodetic concepts, and problem solving, but I also loved being outdoors and working in different environments.

What really captured my imagination was the blend of science, history, and investigation. Particularly in cadastral surveying throughout the western United States, there is an element of archaeology and detective work involved. You’re retracing the footsteps of the original surveyors, interpreting historical records, recovering monuments, and piecing together evidence that may be over a century old.

My career evolved from solving technical challenges into leading teams and supporting large-scale power and energy projects all across the country. Today I’m motivated by developing people, advancing our profession, and helping build our nation’s critical energy infrastructure.

Tell us about what brought you to Atwell. What has stood out to you about the company’s culture and approach to solving client challenges?

I was drawn to the quality of people and opportunity for growth. Early on, I sat down with Matt Bissett (President and CEO) to discuss his vision for the future, centered on growth, innovation, and investing in people. It was clear that Atwell’s future would be people-driven, and that resonated with me. I’ve always believed that great companies are founded on great teams.

I’ve also been impressed with Atwell’s willingness to think creatively when solving client challenges. There is a strong entrepreneurial spirit throughout the company, combined with a collaborative culture across disciplines and geographies.

This is a new role at Atwell. What excites you most about the opportunity?

What excites me most is the opportunity to help build and scale a national surveying platform. As we continue to grow, there’s an opportunity to strengthen collaboration across regions, create consistency in service delivery, and ensure we continue providing an exceptional client experience.

What challenges come with serving clients and building teams on a national scale, and how do you navigate them?

One of the biggest challenges is maintaining consistency across multiple regions while still recognizing that every market and project has unique needs. Success depends on clear communication, strong quality standards, and a culture where teams openly share knowledge and support one another. Building that culture requires ongoing mentorship and investment in people.

How have emerging technologies changed the surveying industry during your career, and how has your role evolved alongside those changes?

The surveying industry has changed dramatically over the course of my career. These advancements have improved efficiency and expanded the amount of information we can deliver to clients. However, technology hasn’t replaced the need for experienced professionals. While collecting data is easier than ever, ensuring that data is accurate, reliable, and defensible still requires a strong understanding of surveying principles, geodetic concepts, coordinate systems, and sound professional judgment.

My role has evolved alongside those changes. Today, I work with leaders and teams across the country to establish standards, improve processes, and promote consistent execution across projects. As power, energy, and infrastructure projects become larger and more complex, I take pride in helping ensure our clients can rely on the survey data that serves as the foundation for critical decisions.

Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for growth and innovation in the power and energy sector?

Demand for infrastructure, renewable energy, transmission, and grid modernization continues to grow, and surveyors will play a critical role in supporting those projects. As the complexity and scale of projects increase, the need for highly skilled survey professionals and reliable geospatial data will only become more important. One of my goals is to help develop programs and talent that make Atwell the unquestionable choice for land surveying services.

I also believe emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), present exciting opportunities for our profession. With the potential to improve efficiency, assist with data management, identify patterns, and help automate repetitive tasks, I view AI as a tool that should enhance our work and empower the critical thinking, judgment, and technical knowledge of our professionals. Organizations that combine strong fundamentals with thoughtful innovation will lead the future of our industry.

What is a career moment you’re particularly proud of, and why does it stand out?

While I’ve been fortunate to lead and support some very challenging and rewarding projects, I’m most proud of the impact I’ve had on people. The surveying profession has faced ongoing challenges in attracting and developing the next generation of surveyors, particularly younger professionals, women, and future licensed surveyors. I’ve had the opportunity to mentor and work alongside many talented professionals as they developed their technical skills and leadership abilities.

There is nothing more rewarding to me than seeing someone grow from an entry-level professional into a trusted leader, project manager, or licensed surveyor.

What do enjoy outside of work?

Family is my first priority. Spending time with family is incredibly important to me, and living in Wyoming gives us plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors together through hunting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities. My daughter was just married, and I couldn’t be prouder of her.

During the winter months, my wife and I enjoy spending quality time together working on home improvement projects. She has a real talent for interior design, and I enjoy helping bring her ideas to life. It’s something we enjoy doing together and a great way to stay busy during the colder months.

And lastly, golf is probably my biggest personal passion. Golf is a game that constantly challenges you to improve, no matter how long you’ve been playing, and I think that’s one of the reasons I enjoy it so much.

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This recognition celebrates a firm’s continuous commitment to cultural excellence and the employee experience, including workplace practices, benefits, retention rates, compensation, performance recognition, and professional development. The distinctions are largely influenced by the firm’s employees, who complete a survey about their experiences and opinions of their workplace.

Atwell was also recognized as #22 on Zweig Group’s 2026 Hot Firm List, moving up eight spots from #30 in 2025. The Hot Firm List recognizes the 100 fastest-growing architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms in the United States and Canada based on revenue growth and overall performance.

We thank our team members for their dedication and expertise, and our clients for the trust they place in us as a partner. Together, they drive our growth, strengthen our culture, and help us deliver meaningful results for the communities we serve.

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Atwell is pleased to welcome Brad Agius as a Director in its Environmental Services group. Agius brings more than 20 years of experience in renewable energy development and environmental consulting, with a focus on permitting, natural resources, and project delivery. In his role at Atwell, Agius will support environmental services initiatives while leading cross-functional teams, driving client relationships, managing budgeting, business development, strategic planning, and QA/QC oversight.

Throughout his career, Agius has supported more than 300 projects across 26 states, contributing to over 15 gigawatts of solar, wind, and battery energy storage development. His experience includes both distributed generation and utility-scale projects, where he has led efforts from early-stage due diligence through permitting and construction.

He has extensive experience in environmental permitting; wetland delineation; surveys of rare, threatened, and endangered species; and geospatial analysis. Agius has also managed multidisciplinary teams and development partnerships across multiple regions, supporting project execution, regulatory compliance, and successful delivery to commercial operation.

Agius holds a Master of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Marine and Freshwater Biology. He is also a certified Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) and Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP).

Please join us in welcoming Brad Agius, GISP, PWS, to Atwell.

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We’re proud to share that Matthew C. Bissett, Chief Executive Officer and President of Atwell, has been named a finalist for the Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 Michigan and Northwest Ohio program.

Now in its 41st year, Entrepreneur of the Year is one of the most respected programs recognizing leaders who drive meaningful change through innovation, growth, and leadership. An independent panel of judges selects finalists based on their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, company growth, and lasting impact in building long-term value.

Matthew’s leadership continues to guide our growth, strengthen our culture, and shape how we serve clients across the country. We’re honored to see him recognized among a strong group of leaders in Michigan and Northwest Ohio.

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There’s a reason that leading corporations (and engineering and infrastructure firms) are paying close attention to Nashville. The city, long known for its music scene and Southern charm, has quietly become one of the most dynamic and strategically important markets in the country. And Atwell is leaning in.

Over the past year, Atwell has been steadily enhancing its Nashville presence, building a team that now numbers close to a dozen professionals. That growth hasn’t happened by accident. It reflects a distinct recognition that Nashville sits at the intersection of several of the most active sectors in land development and civil engineering: mixed-use urban, healthcare infrastructure, and fast-moving private development. For a firm with national reach and local talent, the timing couldn’t be better.

Nashville’s appeal starts with its economics. The city has emerged as a major healthcare hub serving as home to HCA Healthcare, the largest for-profit hospital operator in the country, along with other significant operators, including Community Health Systems and Acadia Healthcare. These companies don’t just bring hospitals; they bring corporate operations and project pipelines that stretch across dozens of states.

For a national engineering firm with leading professionals that know and love Nashville, it creates a powerful dynamic: local relationships with decision-makers, combined with the ability to leverage experience across dozens of cities. It’s an efficient model that turns local presence into national productivity.

Beyond healthcare, Nashville’s core has experienced a sustained wave of mixed-use and multi-family development. Infill projects combining residential density with retail components have reshaped entire neighborhoods, attracting developers who value teams that can move quickly, communicate clearly, and manage multiple active projects simultaneously. This complex, fast-paced, client-service-oriented work is precisely the kind of market where Atwell’s culture and capabilities shine.

The foundation for Atwell’s Nashville operation was laid through years of relationship-building and market development, with team members already active in the region before the recent growth in staffing. That groundwork, which included establishing credibility, connecting with local developers, and building familiarity with the local landscape has positioned the office for accelerated growth.

One recent addition to the team reflects both the office’s momentum and the caliber of talent it is attracting. Matthew Hamby, a Nashville native and Tennessee Tech University graduate, joined Atwell as Senior Director with nearly a decade of experience in the AEC industry, along with additional consulting leadership experience. Hamby’s background spans some of the sectors with the greatest opportunity in the region. He has built deep client relationships across the Nashville development community and brings firsthand knowledge of the local market’s rhythms, players, and opportunities.

What drew Hamby to Atwell, he says, wasn’t just the work, but the culture. He was drawn to a privately owned company that prioritizes its people, its clients, and long-term relationship-building over short-term projects. “I’m a true believer that a rising tide raises all ships,” Hamby said. “Being part of a firm where the focus is on process improvement, training, and genuine client service is exactly where I wanted to be for the long haul.”

That entrepreneurial mindset and client-first philosophy aligns naturally with how Atwell operates, and it’s the kind of perspective the Nashville office will emphasize as it continues to grow. Hamby’s arrival adds senior-level depth to a team already gaining traction in the market and signals that the office is entering a new phase of development. The combination of a thriving healthcare economy, an active private development community, strong population growth, and an increasingly sophisticated urban core makes Tennessee one of the most compelling regions in the Southeast.

With an expanding local team, a growing project portfolio, and leadership that knows the market from the ground up, Atwell’s Nashville office is positioned to grow with the city and to help shape what it becomes.

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Mike Bruen brings more than 30 years of experience in the built environment and engineering services industry, along with deep expertise in leadership, business development, and operations. He will focus on driving strategic growth across the broader Mid-Atlantic region, leveraging his experience to identify new market opportunities and guide regional expansion efforts. Throughout his career, he has held senior executive roles focused on growth strategy, market expansion, and leading cross-disciplinary teams. He previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer at a national consulting and engineering firm, where he helped guide significant growth and organizational transformation.

Matt Lawrence brings over 25 years of experience in the built environment and engineering services industry and will lead Atwell’s Northern Virginia operations. He previously served as Associate Vice President and Principal Engineer at a leading design and consulting firm, where he directed teams to deliver large-scale, data center and community development projects throughout Northern Virginia. His work spans some of the region’s most demanding hyperscale and mixed-use developments, requiring deep expertise in entitlements, infrastructure design, and multi-stakeholder coordination. At Atwell, he will play a critical role in accelerating regional growth, strengthening key client partnerships, and advancing our position as a leader in delivering complex land development solutions.

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We sat down with Tim Miller, Associate Director, Oil and Gas, to talk about what it means to teach at the prestigious Colorado School of Mines Natural Gas Processing Course and why the opportunity is meaningful to him. He shared his perspective on the industry, the importance of mentorship, and how he’s helping prepare the next generation of natural gas professionals.

What does it mean to you personally to be invited to teach in a program with nearly five decades of history? 

It’s a huge honor to be invited, and honestly, not something I ever expected would happen for me. This course has been a starting point for so many people in the Denver area, so being trusted to help introduce a new generation to the natural gas industry really means a lot.

How did this opportunity come about? Can you share some of your experience? 

Like most opportunities, this one came through staying connected and building on existing relationships. Tim Rollenhagen actually recruited me for my first role at URS, so we’ve known each other for quite a while. We reconnected at the National GPA midstream convention, where he brought up the course and asked if I’d be interested. From there, it all came together.

 Why is this short course so highly regarded in the gas processing industry? 

The course offers a really solid overview of the industry for a wide range of people. You’ll see a lot of executives or folks with nontechnical backgrounds who need to understand how the industry works, and it gives them that foundation without requiring engineering coursework. It also has a long history. The people who started it 50 years ago were true pioneers, and over time the instructors have continued that legacy. They’re leaders in their fields and often at the forefront of new technologies, which is a big part of what makes the course so well respected.

Which parts of the curriculum are you most excited to teach? 

I’m still figuring out exactly which sections I’ll be teaching, but it will likely focus on areas like compression, gas dehydration, and field operations.

From wellhead to market, where do you see the most innovation happening today? 

I’m seeing a lot of innovation around optimization and making better use of the technology we already have. It’s really about how we can put the right pieces together to deliver the same quality facilities in a more streamlined way, so they can get to market faster, more efficiently, and at a lower cost.

How does participating in a program like this strengthen relationships with clients and industry peers?

 It helps strengthen relationships in a lot of ways. Many of our clients take this course, so it’s a chance to show both my capabilities and Atwell’s technical expertise. But just as important is the time spent together. Whether it’s in the classroom, at dinners, or working through projects, those shared experiences go a long way in building stronger connections.

What has been the most influential mentorship moment in your own career, and how does that shape how you approach teaching? 

One of the most influential mentorship moments for me came early in my career with another process engineer. He really pushed me to look beyond what I was doing on paper and think about how it actually applies in the real world. Not just getting gas from point A to point B, but how it all comes together. What does it look like when it’s built? How will it be operated and maintained?
He encouraged me to spend time in the field, visit facilities, and talk with operations and other engineers to really understand how things work and how we can make projects better. It shifted my mindset to always ask how something will be implemented and whether it truly makes sense in practice.

That’s something I carry into how I teach as well. I encourage people to get out into the field and, once they’ve worked through a problem, take a step back and ask, “Does this actually make sense in the real world?” We have great tools and software that can give us answers, but if it doesn’t pass that gut check, then it’s worth digging deeper and figuring out how to make it work.

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Atwell is excited to share that Deshon Fox has joined the company as a Director of Engineering, based in Orlando, Florida.

Fox brings more than 20 years of experience in civil engineering and land development, with expertise spanning utilities, roadways, stormwater management, site infrastructure, and large-scale public and private developments. He has led multidisciplinary teams across Florida and the Bahamas, delivering complex projects while driving business growth and client relationships.

Prior to joining Atwell, Fox served as a leader for the Central Florida region at a top-ranked engineering firm, where he oversaw regional leadership, quality control, staff development, and business development. Earlier in his career, he founded and led a civil engineering firm in the Bahamas, supporting major infrastructure, cruise ports, mixed-use, and luxury residential projects. He is recognized for expanding into new markets, strengthening client partnerships, and positioning firms as trusted advisors.

Fox holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Florida. At Atwell, he will focus on expanding our footprint in Central and North Florida.

Please join us in welcoming Deshon Fox to Atwell.

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