Wilson & Co. Taps Tech VP, Engineering a Digital-First Future

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – November 25, 2025 – Wilson & Company, a 90-year-old engineering and architecture firm, recently signaled a significant strategic pivot with the appointment of Ryan Fleck to the newly created role of Vice President, Technology. While executive appointments are routine, this move is anything but. It represents a deliberate and calculated investment in a digital-first future, reflecting a broader, tech-driven upheaval across the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Fleck’s mandate goes far beyond traditional IT management; he is tasked with embedding advanced technology, from hybrid cloud operations to automation, into the very fabric of how the firm designs and delivers critical infrastructure. This appointment isn't just about updating software—it's about re-engineering the business itself for an era where data is as crucial as concrete.

The Blueprint for Digital Transformation

At the heart of Fleck’s new role is a comprehensive vision for company-wide digital transformation. With over two decades of IT experience in the AEC sector, most recently as the firm's IT systems manager, Fleck is uniquely positioned to understand the industry's legacy challenges and technological opportunities. His strategy centers on two core pillars: fortifying the company's digital defenses and empowering its subject matter experts with next-generation tools.

The initiative aligns directly with Wilson & Company's five-year strategic plan, which emphasizes growth through innovation. The firm is moving aggressively to adopt a suite of advanced capabilities, including hybrid cloud operations, sophisticated application lifecycle management, and robust database architecture. The goal is to create a more agile, scalable, and resilient operational backbone. By transitioning to cloud-native solutions, the company aims to reduce its dependency on cumbersome on-premise IT infrastructure, enabling its teams to collaborate in real-time and access vast datasets from any of its 16 offices or remote job sites.

This technological overhaul is designed to directly empower the firm's 800+ engineers, architects, surveyors, and other specialists. Instead of being constrained by rigid IT processes, the vision is to equip them with automated workflows and intelligent platforms that handle routine, data-intensive tasks. This frees up highly skilled professionals to focus on what they do best: creative problem-solving, complex design challenges, and building what the company calls "Higher Relationships" with clients. As Senior Vice President and CIO Ryan Branfort noted, "During his time at Wilson & Company, Ryan has been instrumental in advancing our technology program. I am excited to see the innovations that will continue to emerge under his leadership, helping the company evolve and thrive in the future.”

Beyond Blueprints: Securing the Digital Job Site

In an industry responsible for designing and building the nation's critical infrastructure—from public transportation to federal facilities—the stakes for cybersecurity have never been higher. Wilson & Company's strategic emphasis on strengthening its cybersecurity and governance framework is perhaps the most critical component of its technological evolution. As AEC firms digitize every aspect of the project lifecycle, from Building Information Modeling (BIM) files to client financial data, they become increasingly attractive targets for sophisticated cyber threats.

The risks are substantial. Ransomware attacks can halt projects by locking up essential data, while data exfiltration can lead to the theft of sensitive intellectual property or personally identifiable information. For a firm like Wilson & Company, whose clients include government agencies and railroad companies, a breach could have far-reaching consequences beyond financial loss, impacting project integrity and even national security. The industry's inherent vulnerabilities—distributed workforces, constant file sharing with external partners, and immense pressure to meet deadlines—create a perfect storm for potential security lapses.

Fleck's mandate to direct company security is a proactive response to this landscape. By implementing robust governance, leveraging the advanced security features of cloud platforms, and likely instituting continuous employee training, the firm is building a digital fortress. This isn't just about protecting internal assets; it's a core part of the value proposition for clients. Ensuring that sensitive project data is secure from concept to completion builds trust and provides a crucial competitive differentiator in a risk-averse market.

AI and Automation: Empowering Engineers, Not Replacing Them

The most transformative aspect of Wilson & Company's strategy lies in its embrace of AI and automation. In the context of the AEC industry, this is not about a dystopian future of robots replacing architects. Instead, it's about augmentation—using intelligent systems to enhance human capabilities, streamline workflows, and unlock new levels of creativity and efficiency.

AI-powered tools are poised to revolutionize the design process. Generative design algorithms, for example, can analyze a project's core constraints—such as budget, materials, and environmental factors—to produce thousands of potential design iterations. This allows engineers and architects to explore a far wider range of solutions than manually possible, leading to more innovative, optimized, and sustainable outcomes. Similarly, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) can be deployed to handle repetitive administrative tasks like processing permits or managing invoices, freeing up project managers to focus on strategic oversight and client communication.

Furthermore, machine learning models can analyze historical project data to predict potential delays, cost overruns, and safety hazards before they occur. This shift from a reactive to a predictive project management model is invaluable. When integrated with cloud-based BIM platforms, teams can collaborate on complex 3D models in real-time, while AI algorithms simultaneously check for design clashes or non-compliance with building codes. This fusion of cloud, BIM, and AI creates a single source of truth for a project, dramatically reducing the errors and costly rework that have long plagued the construction industry. By investing in these technologies, Wilson & Company is not diminishing the role of its experts but amplifying their impact.

Building a Competitive Edge in a Digital-First Era

Ultimately, Wilson & Company's significant investment in technology, crystallized by Fleck's leadership appointment, is a strategic play for sustained growth and a powerful competitive advantage. In today's AEC market, firms are no longer competing solely on their engineering prowess or design aesthetics; they are increasingly judged on their technological sophistication and ability to deliver projects more efficiently, cost-effectively, and securely.

The tangible benefits for clients are clear. Cloud-based collaboration and AI-driven predictive analytics can lead to faster project timelines and reduced budget risks. Enhanced design tools enable the creation of higher-quality, more sustainable buildings and infrastructure. Robust cybersecurity provides the peace of mind that sensitive information is protected throughout a project's lifecycle. By automating routine processes, the firm ensures its top talent is focused on delivering high-value, innovative solutions rather than getting bogged down in administrative minutiae.

As the AEC industry continues its rapid digital transformation, firms that fail to adapt risk being left behind. Wilson & Company's appointment of a dedicated VP of Technology and its clear, multi-faceted strategy—spanning cloud adoption, cybersecurity, and AI—demonstrates a deep understanding of this new reality. It is a decisive move to not just participate in the future of engineering and construction, but to actively build it. This strategic alignment of technology with business goals positions the firm to not only meet the evolving demands of its clients but to set a new standard for innovation and excellence in the industry.