Dr. Halff Tribute: A Legacy of Innovation and Service

August 20, 2025, marks what would have been our founder Dr. Halff’s 110th birthday. As we celebrate the occasion, which coincides with the annual Halff Community Initiative (HCI) Giving Week, we honor the legacy of innovation, excellence and service Dr. Halff left behind.

Now 75 years later and more than 1,500 employees strong, Halff is carrying out his legacy as a full-service infrastructure consulting firm designing solutions that improve lives and communities.

Setting the Stage of Halff’s Early Days

75 years ago, Dr. Halff set up shop in Dallas’ Snider Plaza in 1950.

This happened shortly after he served in World War II, where one of his tasks was to drain swamps for vector control so American troops wouldn’t get sick before being sent overseas.

This was an apt beginning, since Halff’s professionals—75 years later—do so much to protect wetlands today.

Dr. Halff would then go on to build one of the largest infrastructure consulting firms in the country by treating employees, clients, the public and everyone he met with care.

Giving in More Ways Than One

There are two big ways to give to others: time and money. And that’s exactly how Dr. Halff approached things.

In the 1970s, Halff was working on a flood control study in Big Spring, Texas, when a young field crew member became ill and was hospitalized. Upon hearing about the situation, Dr. Halff flew to West Texas to visit him.

Dr. Halff spent three days sitting with the employee in his hospital room, keeping the young man company and ensuring he was properly cared for until he was well enough to return home.

Albert Halff was also a tireless advocate for young professionals. He invested in their education and early careers, trusting them to take ownership of their work.

Dr. Halff’s intentional care for all people has largely influenced Halff’s culture today.

Excellence From Day One

Albert H. Halff was known for tacking up bits of wisdom on the wall behind his desk. Many, by all accounts, were handwritten notes.

One read, “To be an engineer, you have to know a lot,” which was an obvious prompt to learn something new every day. Be curious. Another stated, “Quality is no accident. It’s attention to detail.”

From day one, Dr. Halff also ensured quality was part of his firm’s culture.

“Seventy-five years is a long time, and to know this firm has impacted lives over and over again is very rewarding,” said President and CEO Jessica Baker Daily. “Our people are among the best in the industry, and they have a genuine passion for making a difference. I couldn’t be more proud to be celebrating our 75th anniversary this year with them.”

Earlier this year, Halff unveiled a tribute video featuring Dr. Halff and his legacy. The video showcased previous Halff presidents and current and former leaders, who were all mentored or influenced by Dr. Halff.

“I appreciate Halff for our culture that promotes not merely a job, but a meaningful career,” noted Senior Vice President of Technology Erin Atkinson.

“Our people have the opportunity to enhance their technical abilities, elevate their leadership qualities and engage with clients to deliver impactful, innovative solutions.
That philosophy hasn’t wavered in 75 years.”

Planning and Landscape Architecture Deputy Practice Leader Sherri French outlined why Halff is more than just a place to work for her.

“My career at Halff means so much to me. I am developing meaningful relationships, expanding my technical knowledge and leadership abilities in such a way that I am a better person outside of work because of what I am doing within Halff.
I’m so grateful I’ve found a company I can grow with over time.“

When it comes down to it, Dr. Halff’s vision then was to listen, study, think, question, tinker, learn, serve, discover, innovate, design, build and improve.

It’s interesting how some things never change, as Dr. Halff’s legacy lives on to this day.

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

From our humble beginnings in 1950 as a one-man firm to today, one thing remains the same: our unwavering commitment to serving people and communities. As we celebrate our 75^th anniversary in 2025, Halff is carrying forward our founder’s legacy as a full-service infrastructure consulting firm designing solutions that improve lives and communities.

Halff sits at No. 10 nationally among companies with 1,000 to 2,499 employees in the 2025 Top Workplaces USA award rankings presented by Energage.