Halff’s Pifer Selected as ENR Texas & Southeast 2027 Top Young Professional

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Halff Water/Wastewater Director Ashley Pifer, Ph.D., PE, has been named one of Engineering News-Record Texas & Southeast’s Top Young Professionals of 2027.

Pifer was among 30 professionals selected from 160 entries for the annual recognition, which honors professionals age 40 or younger as of Jan. 1, 2027. Nominees are evaluated based on industry experience and education, career and industry leadership, and community service and involvement.

Pifer is a nationally recognized expert in water quality and distribution systems, specializing in disinfection, regulatory compliance and treatment optimization. She helps utilities address complex challenges, including disinfection byproducts, nitrification and compliance with Lead and Copper Rule requirements, while developing practical solutions that protect public health and improve water system performance.

Ashley Pifer was the lone 2027 ENR Texas & Southeast Top Young Professional representative from the state of Arkansas. 

Beyond her project work, Pifer serves in leadership roles with the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and contributes to industry guidance and best practices for water utilities nationwide. Her combination of research, technical expertise and practical application continues to influence water quality practices across the industry.

Earlier this year, WaterWorld Magazine named Pifer a 2026 Emerging Leader. In 2025, she was also recognized as one of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 for her professional achievements and community involvement.

About the Firm

Halff is an award-winning, employee-owned full-service infrastructure consulting firm with more than 75 years of expertise. Established in 1950 by Dr. Albert H. Halff, the firm continues to advance his vision of creating resilient communities through thoughtful design and technical excellence.

Today, Halff operates from more than 30 offices across Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Our firm works together to provide comprehensive services from our Mobility, Places and Communities, and Water and Environment solutions. Our more than 1,300 professionals remain committed to delivering smart solutions that improve lives and communities by turning ideas into reality.

Since 2021, the firm has earned more than 100 project awards and continues to rank as an Engineering News-Record Top 100 Design Firm and a USA TODAY National Top Workplace. Halff supports communities across its footprint through the Halff Community Initiative (HCI), having contributed more than $1 million to nonprofits and thousands of employee volunteer hours since its inception in 2017.