JACKSON, Miss. (August 8, 2022) – Neel-Schaffer has promoted Robert Walker, PE, to the position of Chief Operations Officer, effective immediately.
He assumes the COO role that was held for 13 years by Joey Hudnall, PE. Hudnall now serves as President and Chief Executive Officer.
Walker has 34 years of experience. He joined Neel-Schaffer in 1991 as an Engineer Intern and has served in a variety of roles, most recently as the Manager of the firm’s Central Region, which encompasses 17 Mississippi-based offices and a subsidiary firm, Maptech, Inc. Walker is also an Executive Vice President and serves on the firm’s Board of Directors.
“I can’t say enough good things about Robert and what he has done for this company over the last 30 years,” said Hudnall. “He is very well-respected in our company and our industry. He serves on our Board and he has done a tremendous job of managing our Mississippi operations. He cares about this company and wants to give back, wants to see us grow and prosper and see all of our employees reach their greatest potential.”
In 2021 the firm adopted a five-year strategic plan, One Neel-Schaffer, aimed at increasing revenue and expanding market share across the company’s existing footprint and beyond. Hudnall said Walker will focus on supporting the firm’s strategic initiatives in this new role.
“I am excited about this new role and its focus on operations and numbers, which are my strengths,” said Walker. “I look forward to working with our leaders across the organization on our next stages of growth, seeking ways to pool resources and expand services to our clients.”
Walker is a Mississippi native and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Mississippi State University.
