Committed to Growth and Professional Development Since 1989
KWA is a leading consulting firm specializing in DBE, ACDBE, and UCP program development. Since 1989, we’ve supported aviation, transportation, and infrastructure projects nationwide—helping clients achieve compliance, drive diversity, and build lasting partnerships.
Rooted in Vision. Built on Purpose.
Ken Weeden & Associates (KWA) was founded in 1989 by Kenneth Weeden. Born in Mississippi, Ken earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and a Master of Urban Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Early in his career at Talbert & Cox, he helped develop one of the first required Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) programs (1980). When the company was sold in 1989, Ken launched KWA. Over 35+ years, KWA has grown into a nationally recognized firm specializing in DBE program development and implementation.
Kenneth Weeden – President & Principal
Founder of Ken Weeden & Associates in 1989, Ken brings more than 46 years of experience in transportation planning and DBE/ACDBE program development. He has led projects in 36 states and three U.S. territories, supporting more than 150 transportation agencies. A nationally recognized expert, Ken specializes in program development, implementation, compliance, and training under 49 CFR Parts 26 and 23. He also founded the National DBE Training Institute.
Kevin Weeden, MPA – Senior Vice President
Kevin Weeden, MPA, came to KWA in May 2000 with four (4) years of experience in city planning and zoning code enforcement. Kevin is based in KWA’s Atlanta, Georgia office. He has over 25 years of experience with the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program and the Airport Concessions DBE (ACDBE) program. Kevin has prepared DBE program plans and updates for over 120 airports throughout the southeastern, Midwest, and mid-Atlantic United States. Kevin has also prepared ACDBE program plans and goals for over 20 airports. Kevin is also a Senior Trainer with the National DBE Training Institute (https://www.natdbe-ti.com).
Wilfred Nixon Jr., MBA – Vice President
Wilfred Nixon has 23 years of experience supporting DBE and ACDBE programs for airports, transit agencies, and state transportation departments. Since joining KWA in 2002, he has managed DBE goal-setting assignments, prepared annual and triennial reports, conducted availability analyses, and supported outreach and compliance initiatives for agencies of all sizes. His work includes assisting agencies with program development, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning to enhance minority- and women-owned business participation. In addition, Mr. Nixon serves as a senior trainer with the National DBE Training Institute, where he provides guidance on reporting requirements, monitoring processes, and best practices for program implementation.
Danielle Andrews – Business Manager
Business Manager Leigh Danielle Andrews thrives on bringing order, clarity, and steady leadership to KWA. She oversees day to day business operations, develops strategies that support company goals and supports the company’s team of executives. She also coordinates nationwide training programs, community events, and charitable initiatives. Building strong relationships with partners and vendors is a natural part of her work, and she approaches every task with a mix of professionalism and genuine warmth.. She brings a thoughtful, grounded approach to her work and is committed to helping organizations grow through effective communication, reliable leadership, and a genuine dedication to people.
Nikki Jefferies, Compliance Specialist
Nikki Jefferies is a compliance specialist focused on DBE and ACDBE program development for airports, transit agencies, and transportation organizations nationwide. She supports goal methodologies, Title VI Plans, and federal compliance initiatives with a clear, practical approach. Nikki also helps coordinate National DBE Training Institute classes and manages stakeholder outreach to support meaningful engagement and accountability.
Jeremy R. Weeden, Senior Compliance Specialist
Jeremy R. Weeden is a Senior Compliance Specialist with Ken Weeden & Associates, bringing more than 13 years of experience in DBE and MWBE contract compliance. His work includes DBE and ACDBE goal methodology development, field monitoring, certified payroll review, Davis-Bacon wage analysis, and CUF evaluations for public infrastructure, transit, airport, and highway projects. Prior to returning to KWA, Jeremy spent 10 years with the City of Charlotte overseeing DBE compliance for major transit projects, including the Gold Line Streetcar. He holds a B.A. in Urban Planning and African American Studies from UNC Greensboro and is currently pursuing an MBA.
Andrea H. McCants, Compliance Specialist
Andrea H. McCants is an accomplished business professional with proven expertise in federally funded programs focused on DBE regulatory compliance, Davis-Bacon wage analysis, onsite field monitoring, vetting construction bid proposals, facilitating outreach activities, certified payroll review, contract administration and compliance, and performing commercially useful function (CUF) evaluations related to airport and other transportation projects. Andrea holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Stephania Pierre, Contract Compliance Specialist
Stephania Pierre is a Contract Compliance Specialist with Ken Weeden & Associates, bringing over six years of experience supporting public agencies with federal contract compliance, documentation, and oversight. She specializes in DOT DBE/ACDBE compliance, subcontractor payment verification, certification support, and audit coordination across airport and transit environments. Stephania has extensive experience leveraging compliance management systems, including B2GNow, to streamline workflows and ensure accurate reporting. Her work emphasizes structured review processes, stakeholder coordination, and effective implementation of federal compliance requirements.
