JACKSON, MS — Neel-Schaffer announces the promotion of five employees in Mississippi to the role of Senior Vice President or Vice President.
“These leaders have been instrumental in driving the strategic growth our firm has achieved over the past four years,” said Robert Walker, PE, Neel-Schaffer’s Chief Operating Officer. “Their commitment reflects the dedication of our entire team to upholding our core values of Care, Service, and Excellence, as we work to enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve.”
Kevin Stafford, Columbus, Mississippi
Promoted to Senior Vice President, Kevin Stafford, PE, joined Neel-Schaffer in 1999 and has taken on a variety of roles throughout his 25-year career, including Designer, Senior Project Manager, City Engineer for the City of Columbus, and Area Manager. He was instrumental in Neel-Schaffer’s acquisition of Calvert-Spradling Engineers, Inc. in 2023, which strengthened the firm’s resources and capabilities in the Golden Triangle region of northeast Mississippi. Stafford now serves as the North Mississippi Operations Manager, overseeing Neel-Schaffer’s offices in Columbus, Starkville, West Point, and DeSoto County.
The new Vice Presidents in the state of Mississippi include:
Chad Edwards, Brandon, Mississippi
Chad Edwards, PE, joined the firm in 2020 and currently serves as an Engineering Manager in Central Mississippi. He plays a key role in a variety of projects across the region, with significant involvement in Warren County, the City of Brandon, and Rankin County. Edwards develops and leads projects from conception to completion, supporting the growing needs throughout the area, including infrastructure, community development, and recreational projects. Edwards has 20 years of diverse engineering experience.
Gabe Faggard, Gautier, Mississippi
Gabe Faggard, PE, joined Neel-Schaffer in 2022 with more than 25 years of experience. He successfully re-established the firm’s Meridian, Mississippi, office while growing the South Mississippi Construction Management team. In his role as South Mississippi CEI Manager, Faggard focuses on construction oversight and assists the
Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) with the development of its alternative delivery program. Based in Neel-Schaffer’s project office in Vancleave, Mississippi, he strategically assembled and leads the team managing the firm’s largest CEI project to date — the $212 million MDOT State Route 57 Improvements project.
Phillip Gibson, Jackson, Mississippi
Phillip Gibson, PE, re-joined the firm in 2018 and serves as the Senior Engineer Manager of the Central Mississippi Water/Wastewater Department. He has extensive experience in designing and managing large-scale water and wastewater distribution projects, including those with construction costs exceeding $100 million. He has more than 30 years of experience, including 20 total with Neel-Schaffer.
Sarah McEwen, Jackson, Mississippi
Sarah McEwen, PE, CFM, joined the firm in 2023 and serves as the Central Region Hydrology and Hydraulics (H&H) Lead, responsible for all H&H and drainage projects in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas. She has extensive experience managing projects for multiple departments of transportation. With a background in floodplain mapping and over 10 years of experience, McEwen is also a Certified Floodplain Manager.
