2025 Promotions to Principal

We are pleased to announce the following promotions to principal:

 

Melissa Cross, AIA

Since joining Alliiance in 2014, Melissa has provided all aspects of architectural professional service on a wide range of projects, including Buffalo Wild Wings and airport projects in Memphis, TN; San Diego, CA; Oakland, CA; Chicago O’Hare, IL; Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN; Idaho Falls, ID; and Pinehurst, NC. Melissa’s extensive understanding of project types, client needs, and team dynamics has empowered her to be a highly effective project manager. Her professionalism and demeanor have earned Melissa the deep personal trust of clients across the country. Melissa regularly participates in aviation industry conferences and stays on top of industry trends. “Internally, she plays an integral role in developing Alliiance’s design management best practices. Melissa’s clients have expressed gratitude for her responsiveness, which has resulted in longstanding relationships and successful projects.

 

Nina Ebbighausen, AIA, LEED AP

Since joining Alliiance in 1999, Nina has made a lasting impact on the firm, our clients, and the architectural community. She bridges innovative design with architectural education, balancing leadership on award-winning projects with over twenty-five years of experience as an adjunct associate professor at the University of Minnesota School of Architecture. Her dedication to teaching and mentorship has helped shape countless architects, inspiring them to bring creativity, rigor, and empathy to their work.

Nina is passionate about creating spaces that positively impact users and communities. Her thoughtful approach to complex, multifaceted user groups shines in her focus on workplace and public projects. Nina’s commitment to mentoring future generations and elevating those around her has left a legacy within and beyond Alliiance.

 

Michael McClimon, AIA, LEED AP

Michael joined Alliiance in 2011 and has become a key player in design for a range of airport projects nationwide, including Ames, IA; Louisville, KY; and the award-winning Barkley Regional Airport in Paducah, KY.

At the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, Michael has worked extensively on multiple projects including the A–G Concourse Connector and Operational Improvements Program. On both projects, he guided the vision while closely collaborating with teams to execute the design.

Michael is currently providing design leadership on airport projects in Little Rock, AR; Louisville, KY; and McAllen, TX. His approach to design is powered by thoughtfulness, team inclusion, and commitment to listening to the client and design team members.

 

Marcus Webb, NOMA, LEED AP

Marcus joined Alliiance in 1997 as an intern and transitioned to a full-time employee in 2001. With twenty-eight years of experience, he has brought his design, technical, and managerial talents to projects across all firm studios, working on public works facilities, labs, malls, culinary academies, hotels, and airports. One of the most notable projects Marcus worked on is the University of Minnesota Huntington Bank Stadium (formerly TCF Bank Stadium).

Marcus has had a central role in multiple projects for the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, and airports in Louisville, KY; Moline, IL; and Williston, ND. Marcus currently provides senior project management for terminal projects in Birmingham, AL, and Memphis, TN. Clients and colleagues appreciate his dependability, calm demeanor, and commitment.

 

Shane Wirth, LEED AP BD+C

Shane joined Alliiance in 2012 and has more than two decades of specialized aviation planning expertise. As a senior terminal planner, he is a crucial resource and team member on many of Alliiance’s aviation projects. Shane’s career has included work at sixty-one airports around the world. While at Alliiance, he has worked at more than thirty-five airports, including Dayton, OH; Grand Rapids, MI; Little Rock, AR; Memphis, TN; Cincinnati, OH; Papua New Guinea; Anchorage, AK; Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN; Milwaukee, WI; McAllen, TX; Seattle WA; Spokane, WA; Lincoln, NE; and others.

Although his primary focus is providing specialized and highly technical planning analysis and guidance, he has also supported teams by providing various traditional architectural services. Shane stays on top of aviation trends, standards, and regulations and mentors Alliiance staff and individuals within the broader aviation industry.