Disa Wahlstrand Selected as Ayres’ Next Executive Vice President

Ayres has selected Disa Wahlstrand, PE, LEED AP, as the company’s next executive vice president, effective October 1.

Wahlstrand currently serves as the firm’s vice president of Engineering Services and brings more than three decades of Ayres experience to her new role. Since joining the firm full time in 1995 as a project engineer, she has held a variety of leadership positions and has helped guide some of the company’s most significant projects and strategic initiatives. She currently oversees Ayres’ municipal and civil engineering services teams in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Carolina and managed the Eau Claire (Wis.) municipal services group for a decade before being promoted to vice president in 2015.

Throughout her career, Wahlstrand has helped deliver complex infrastructure, municipal, and development projects across Wisconsin that have supported economic growth, improved community facilities, and expanded opportunities for Ayres’ clients. Her project leadership experience includes major expansions for Mayo Clinic Health System and Bush Brothers, as well as the award-winning Sonnentag event center development in Eau Claire.

In recent years, Wahlstrand has expanded her focus beyond operational leadership, helping champion strategic growth initiatives, leadership development efforts, and market expansion opportunities. Her ability to connect long-term strategy with clients’ and communities’ evolving needs made her a natural choice for the role, said Jan Zander, PE, Ayres’ president and chief executive officer.

“Time and time again, Disa has earned the trust of clients, colleagues, and partners through her leadership, technical expertise, and ability to bring people together to advance projects and initiatives,” Zander said. “As Ayres continues to grow, her strategic perspective and commitment to client service will help us build on our strong foundation and position the firm for the future.”

In her new role, Wahlstrand will first focus on Ayres’ market position and business development companywide, with special attention to our strategic growth initiatives. She will also continue enhancing our project manager and client relationship development programs.

Wahlstrand holds professional engineer registration in Wisconsin. She earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from Gustavus Adolphus College – and now serves on the college’s Alumni Board – and a master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Iowa.

She is a member of numerous professional and community organizations, including the American Council of Engineering Companies of Wisconsin and North Carolina, Society of American Military Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, Eau Claire Area Economic Development Board, and Pablo Center Facilities Committee. In 2016, she received the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce’s Woman of Achievement Award, recognizing individuals who help others reach their leadership potential while strengthening their communities. Disa has long been committed to efforts to educate, encourage, and inspire girls to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

As she prepares to step into her new role, Wahlstrand said she is excited to build upon Ayres’ legacy while helping guide the firm’s future growth and success.

“Ayres has a long history of helping clients solve challenges and create meaningful improvements in the communities they serve,” Wahlstrand said. “I’m honored to step into this role and look forward to building on that legacy while continuing to strengthen relationships, support our talented teams, and pursue new opportunities for growth.”

In this short video, Disa shares reflections from her 31 years at Ayres and her vision for continuing to serve clients, strengthen communities, and build on the firm’s success.