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Heather Wills

senior vice president at WSP

When reflecting on who inspires her, Heather Wills says her father, a Vietnam veteran, helped lay the groundwork for her success.

鈥淢y dad broke the cycle of poverty and addiction with our family to allow my sister and me to have a better life,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e are both successful women leaders because my dad made conscious decisions to provide us more opportunity.鈥�

In the industry for 24 years, Wills works for WSP, a professional services firm. She provides high-profile leadership opportunities for more than 15 staff members leading toll projects. She also has supported more than 10 promotions of young female staff and has supported the development of the Equity Center of Excellence. She leads the largest project in the National Advisory Services sector of the company, helping to manage an interdisciplinary consultant team of 50 people.

Mandy Putney, strategic initiatives director with the Oregon Department of Transportation, said that Wills leads with heart.

鈥淪he cares about her team as people and professionals, just as much as she cares about project successes,鈥� said Putney. 鈥淪he excels at matching skills and interests with team members to ensure successful and high-quality products. She is very successful with empowering and guiding her team to leverage individual strengths. She exhibits flexibility and foresight in her ability to advise on organizational change within teams and for client organizations.鈥�

Wills also has a particularly strong voice for gender equity in the field of transportation. As a long-time, active WTS member and current Portland chapter fundraising chair, she encourages female professionals to participate in events, mentorship and job growth opportunities.

When looking at the future generation of female leaders, Wills shares this advice: 鈥淏e courageous and own your power. Be authentic. Always support other women and find your group of women who will always have your back in the rooms you are not in.鈥�