Halff’s Ashley Pifer Named WaterWorld Emerging Leader

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Halff Director of Water/Wastewater Ashley Pifer, Ph.D., PE, has been named a 2026 Emerging Leader by WaterWorld Magazine.

The Emerging Leaders program recognizes rising professionals under 40 who are making significant contributions to the drinking water industry through technical expertise, innovations and leadership.

Pifer is a nationally recognized expert in water quality and distribution systems. She specializes in disinfection, regulatory compliance and treatment optimization, helping utilities address complex challenges such as disinfection byproducts, nitrification and compliance with the Lead and Copper Rules. She develops practical solutions that protect public health and improve water system performance.

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

Last year, Pifer was named to the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal Forty Under 40 list, recognizing 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 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.