Shambeau Selected to Lead Engineering Services Division as Vice President

Gareth Shambeau, PE, has been named vice president of Ayres’ Engineering Services division and will assume the role Sept. 28. Shambeau currently serves as manager of Engineering Services’ Eau Claire operations, which serve much of northern and western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota. He brings nearly 15 years of experience with the firm to the position.

Shambeau has demonstrated a strong ability to build teams, develop staff, and strengthen collaboration across offices and disciplines. His leadership experience, combined with a deep understanding of the firm’s operations and culture, positions him well to guide one of Ayres’ largest divisions as it supports clients throughout the country.

As an Engineering Services manager, Shambeau has overseen operations, workforce planning, staffing, and financial performance while leading a diverse team of engineers, professionals, technicians, and support staff. He played a key role in expanding Ayres’ municipal practice in Minnesota and has earned a reputation as a trusted leader, mentor, and collaborator.

Since joining Ayres in 2012 as a staff engineer in Water Resources, Shambeau has advanced through a series of leadership positions, including project civil engineer, project manager, manager of Engineering Services, and now vice president. His career path reflects Ayres’ long-standing commitment to developing leaders from within and creating opportunities for employees to grow their careers.

“Gareth really showed through his time in project management and group leadership that he has the ability not only to lead a group of people and help them develop and grow, but at the same time showing excellent client service and being a part of the community in a positive way,” said Jan Zander, PE, president and CEO. “His leadership style, commitment to people, and understanding of our business make him well suited to help lead Engineering Services into the future.”

In his new role, Shambeau will focus on strengthening collaboration and work sharing across offices, supporting the integration of a larger Engineering Services division that now includes Florida and North Carolina in addition to Minnesota and Wisconsin, and building upon the strong partnerships that have positioned Engineering Services for continued success.

From supporting the site design needs of The Sonnentag, a 104,900-square-foot Eau Claire event center, to carefully watching over the essential municipal services of smaller Wisconsin communities such as Colfax, Edgar, Fall Creek, Medford, Strum, and Whitehall, Shambeau has helped clients achieve their goals while creating lasting benefits for the communities they serve.

“I’d like to thank our clients for the confidence they’ve placed in Ayres throughout the years,” Shambeau said. “That trust is something we work to earn every day. As we look ahead, I remain committed to strengthening those relationships, delivering high-quality work, and helping our clients and communities thrive.”

Shambeau earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and is a licensed professional engineer in Wisconsin and Minnesota. He has completed Leadership Eau Claire and the ACEC Wisconsin Leadership Institute, reflecting his ongoing commitment to professional growth, leadership development, and service to his community.

In this short video, Shambeau shares reflections on his career at Ayres and his vision for continuing to build strong client relationships, deliver quality work, and create lasting impact through Ayres’ core focus of working together and improving lives.