WGI Unleashed Podcast: David Gerber, Project Manager
WGI Unleashed
In this episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast, hosts Dan and Katie are back in our office to sit back down with David Gerber, Project Manager on our ! David is a two-time guest, a “two-peat” he happily likens to Steve Martin’s SNL record. Last time around, he got a little feedback for being too tight-lipped about his coworkers, so this time he came prepared to fix that, handing out shout-outs across thirteen years and five offices… From Miami to Lakeland David was born in Miami and lived there until he was about five, when Hurricane Andrew came through and cost his parents their jobs....
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Rachel Starck, Environmental Scientist
WGI Unleashed
In this episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast, hosts Dan and Katie head down to our corporate headquarters to sit down with Rachel Starck, Environmental Scientist! Rachel is a Florida native who grew up in Orlando with a childhood reputation for attracting wildlife, and a mother who gave her exactly the right career advice at exactly the right time. Two and a half years into her first job out of college, she's doing the work she set out to do... and loving every second of it. From Orlando to the Atlantic Coast Rachel grew up in Orlando, where both of her parents built long careers at Walt...
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Susanna Coleman, Administrative Assistant
WGI Unleashed
In the latest episode of the , hosts Dan and Katie head back to South Florida to sit down with Susanna Coleman, an Administrative Assistant in WGI’s ! Susanna’s story is one of curiosity, reinvention, and an unshakable love of learning. From the south side of Chicago to the shipyards of Scandinavia, Susanna has lived what she jokingly calls “several lives” — and each one has shaped the curious, people-loving teammate she is today. This is one conversation you won’t want to miss. From the South Side of Chicago to South Florida Born and raised in a tight-knit, blue-collar suburb...
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Kristen Nowicki, Senior Project Manager
WGI Unleashed
In this episode of the , we head to Fort Lauderdale to catch up with Kristen Nowicki, Senior Project Manager on WGI’s team. From her early days climbing trees in Pennsylvania to helping shape communities across South Florida, Kristen’s story is equal parts thoughtful, driven, and refreshingly down to earth. We also learned one very important thing right away: she could eat pineapple pizza every day for the rest of her life. That might be the boldest take we’ve had on the podcast yet. From Tree Hugger to Planner Kristen’s path into planning was anything but linear, and it makes...
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Scott Jones, Technical Geospatial Solutions Manager
WGI Unleashed
At WGI, every associate brings a unique story to the table, but few start on a remote fishing island in Alaska and end up leading cutting-edge geospatial solutions across the country. In this episode of the , Dan and Katie sit down with Scott Jones, Technical Solutions Manager on our team, to talk about a career path shaped by adventure, curiosity, and a willingness to solve problems in some of the most challenging environments imaginable. A Childhood Built for Adventure Scott’s story begins in Petersburg, Alaska, a small fishing community where getting anywhere requires a boat or a plane...
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Jason Alvarez, Senior Operations Manager
WGI Unleashed
On the latest episode of the , we travel to WGI’s to sit down with Jason Alvarez, Senior Operations Manager for our group. In this episode, hosts Dan and Katie explore Jason’s 23-year journey at WGI, from starting in the field as a rod person to leading operations in one of the firm’s growing offices. His story highlights persistence, curiosity, and the impact of saying yes to opportunity. From Florida Roots to Geospatial Leadership Jason grew up in Central and South Florida, including time in Lake Wales, where he balanced football and marching band. Yes, marching band. And yes, there...
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Maria Acosta, Video Multimedia Editor
WGI Unleashed
On the latest episode of the , we head back to WGI's corporate headquarters in to sit down with Maria Acosta, Video Multimedia Editor! In this episode, hosts Dan and Katie take listeners behind the camera to spotlight Maria’s creative journey, the role she plays in shaping WGI’s multimedia content, and the passion she brings to telling stories through video. From her early artistic roots to her role producing podcasts, training videos, and campaign visuals, Maria’s story shows how curiosity, resilience, and creativity can lead to an exciting and impactful career at WGI. Early Creativity...
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Jill Mathison, Geospatial Administrator
WGI Unleashed
In the final episode of 2025, the heads to as hosts Dan and Katie sit down with Jill Mathison, a long-time member of WGI’s ! Jill’s story is one of persistence, adaptability, and wholehearted commitment. From her early days growing up on Long Island to helping shape WGI through years of growth and transformation, Jill’s journey reflects what it truly means to build a career with intention. From Long Island to South Florida Born in New York and raised on Long Island, Jill grew up surrounded by creativity and culture. Thanks to a mother who loved the arts, childhood trips into...
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Amanda Wojtasiak, Graduate Architect
WGI Unleashed
In this episode of the , hosts Dan and Katie sit down with Amanda Wojtasiak, a Graduate Architect in our , whose path into the profession is anything but ordinary. Amanda brings a spark of creativity, a global childhood, and a love of learning to everything she touches, and this episode shines a light on the personality behind her growing design career at WGI. From living overseas to mastering artistic crafts to racing sailboats under the moonlight, Amanda’s story is filled with movement, energy, and curiosity. This episode offers a fun, vibrant look at one of the many talented young...
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Coleen Johnson, Director of Geospatial
WGI Unleashed
The October edition of the is officially here! Join us as we travel to , to chat with Coleen Johnson, RPLS, WGI’s Director of . Coleen’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and a lifelong passion for learning. From hand-drafting machine parts in Houston to leading cutting-edge geospatial teams at WGI, her journey proves that sometimes the best career paths are the ones you create yourself. From Small-Town Roots to the Lone Star State Coleen grew up in the rural town of Hannibal, New York, surrounded by rolling hills, dairy farms, and open skies. With four siblings, a farm-loving...
info_outlineIt's that time again - Time for another episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast!
Join us as we sit down with Mike Mills, WGI’s VP of Stormwater Resources, for an inspiring conversation about his life and engineering journey.
Mike’s story is a tale of determination, gratitude, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference, from his unique upbringing and early career challenges to his now impactful projects and passions.
Growing Up with a Global Perspective
Born in Virginia to a Navy father, Mike spent a significant portion of his early years in Japan on an American Naval base. Mike's father met his mother abroad, sparking a bond that shaped a childhood rich with international experiences which Mike still treasures to this day.
Living between Japan and the U.S. until he was 16, Mike credits his early international exposure with giving him a valuable perspective that continues to fuel his gratitude and open-minded outlook on life today. Having moved to Orlando during high school, however, he experienced a significant culture shock. Yet, this transition unknowingly marked the start of his journey into the world of civil engineering.
From Architecture Dreams to Civil Engineering Realities
Initially set on becoming an architect or archaeologist, Mike was led to civil engineering when his first-choice schools appeared to no longer be an option. Ultimately electing to attend the University of Central Florida, Mike saw engineering as a way to design the spaces surrounding buildings if he couldn’t design the buildings themselves.
With guidance from state-renowned professors, Mike’s passion for land development and stormwater management grew, cementing his career path in the AEC industry.
Rising Through the Ranks with Determination
Mike’s career began in land development at a company where technology was just beginning to enter the scene—so much so that he was tasked with exploring the company’s first computer and seeking out the industry's new and innovative software and technologies.
This early exposure to cutting-edge tools such as ICPR, now known as StormWise, became a defining moment. Mike credits this experience and his connection with Pete Singhofen, ICPR's creator and now a WGI colleague, as pivotal influences on his career.
After immense success with his first job in Orlando, Mike's journey led him to a stormwater management role in Tampa, leading to multiple company acquisitions and, ultimately, the founding of his very own consulting firm in 1999 - And after 21 successful years of acting as his own boss, Mike’s firm was acquired, and his longtime connections with WGI leaders, including Pete Singhofen, brought him to WGI in 2024.
A Legacy of Diverse and Impactful Work
Mike’s extensive work spans public and private projects, from collaborations with some of Tampa’s favorite brands such as Publix and Outback Steakhouse to meaningful contributions to wetland mitigation, including Hillsborough County's first-ever wetland mitigation permit.
His dedication and experience also recently contributed to WGI’s substantial win on the Turnpike & Sawgrass Interchange project—a major milestone he credits to WGI’s exceptional proposal and project management teams.
Life Beyond the Office
Beyond the workplace, Mike finds joy in Sunday morning bike rides to brunch with his wife and friends, playing guitar and bass, practicing yoga, and running. And in recent, exciting news, Mike is now proud to call himself a grandfather as he welcomes in his first grandchild!
Mike's dedication to work-life balance and his love for spending time outdoors reflect his commitment to both personal well-being and professional growth. Mike is also deeply committed to philanthropy, particularly through Operation Christmas Child with Samaritan’s Purse - with his leadership and empathy helping to bring joy and hope to children around the world during the holiday season.
See You Next Time!
So, don't wait a moment longer - Grab those headphones and crank up the volume because it's time to get unleashed.... And don't forget to tune in next time as we unravel more captivating tales and insights on the WGI Unleashed Podcast.
Until then, stay inspired and keep unleashing your potential!
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