BILOXI, MS — Neel-Schaffer, Inc., hires Pat Bonck to serve as an Urban Planner based in the firm’s Biloxi, Mississippi, office.

Bonck has more than 24 years of experience, including 2.5 with the City of Gulfport, Mississippi, Planning Office and 22 as the Planning and Zoning Director for Harrison County, Mississippi.

He established the Harrison County Zoning Office and has extensive experience working with building codes, landowners, and commercial and industrial developers. Post-Hurricane Katrina, his office helped thousands of displaced residents relocate. Bonck also has worked regularly with state agencies such as the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the Mississippi Department of Transportation, and Department of Marine Resources.

"We are very excited to have Pat come aboard to help expand the planning services we can offer to our clients,” said Craig High, Senior Planner for Neel-Schaffer’s South Mississippi operations. “We have many clients in South Mississippi who need guidance on city ordinances and in the zoning compliance process. Pat will also help with right-of-way acquisition projects, and he will provide planning knowledge to the Complete Communities Group, Neel-Schaffer’s collaboration of engineers, planners, and environmental services staff from across the company who focus on developing visions, funding strategies, and solutions for municipalities and communities.”

Bonck holds a Bachelor of General Studies from the University of New Orleans and a Master of Public Administration from the University of South Alabama.