Melissa Hunt joins Ayres on January 2, bringing nearly two decades of experience assisting communities with crafting and implementing effective economic development strategies.

Based in Madison, Wisconsin, Hunt will collaborate with regional and state organizations, community leaders, business owners, and key stakeholders as she guides visioning, data analysis, master planning, and studies that successfully lead to and support opportunities for growth and development. She will work extensively with Ayres’ planners, economic development specialists, landscape architects, environmental scientists, and engineers to turn plans and studies into buildable design solutions that bolster local vitality and economies.

Hunt also offers expertise to assist with job creation and increased tax base through business growth and retention for Ayres’ clients. She has helped Wisconsin communities access grant dollars to implement projects of various scales and will be an invaluable addition to Ayres’ funding team.

“I’ve seen Melissa’s extensive knowledge, innovative strategy, and charisma during our work together on the Wisconsin Downtown Action Council board, and I am over the moon to have her join Ayres,” says Keely Campbell, manager of development services in the Midwest. “Her diverse experience at the municipal, county, regional, and state levels means she is poised to help anyone looking to connect the dots on projects that shape vibrant economies.”

Hunt is a certified economic developer (CEcD) and economic development finance professional (EDFP), as well as an active board member for the WDAC and the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA). She holds a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional studies from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. In addition to her dedication to her profession, Hunt is extremely involved in her community. Hunt is a member of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Alumni Board and is LGBTQA+ liaison to alumni and the campus, is on the New Harvest Foundation Board in Dane County, chairs the Girl Scouts of Badgerland Wisconsin Properties Committee, and is president of the Middleton School District Parent Teacher Organization.

“We can’t wait to see all the ways she gets involved at Ayres!” Campbell says.