JACKSON, Miss. (August 31, 2023) – Vijay Kunada, PE, PTP, PTOE, and Keith Purvis, PE, were recently promoted to Senior Vice President roles at Neel-Schaffer, company officials announced today.

Kunada, a member of the Neel-Schaffer team since 2006, has 20 years of experience in Transportation Planning, Travel Demand Modeling, and Traffic Engineering. He serves as Engineer Manager for the firm’s Lafayette (Louisiana) office and spearheads the company’s Transportation Planning Discipline.

“Vijay has done a great job of expanding our Transportation Planning discipline, taking it from a Louisiana/Mississippi-centered discipline to one that is spread across the firm’s footprint,” said Jerry Trumps, Executive Vice President for Neel-Schaffer’s Southwest Region. “He is a highly regarded professional by numerous DOTs and MPOs throughout the South and Southeast, and he continues to build on this foundation in his role as a leader in our company.

“Congratulations to him on this well-deserved promotion.”

Purvis joined Neel-Schaffer in 2011 and has 35 years of experience as a Transportation Engineer and Manager. Serving as the Manager for the Central Mississippi Transportation Department, he plays a key role in cultivating present and potential transportation clients for the firm’s Central Mississippi unit and teams across North and South Mississippi.

Melinda McGrath, PE, Executive Vice President for Neel-Schaffer’s Central Region, highlighted Purvis’s adaptability in light of his promotion. “While overseeing Central Mississippi, Keith isn’t restricted to just one perspective,” said McGrath. “He takes a holistic view of the entire Region, consistently seeking innovative and efficient solutions.”

Also, said McGrath, “He exemplifies leadership. His impact is clear when people turn to him for direction. Team members from diverse departments reach out to him, drawn by his leadership and the esteem he holds.”

Notably, both Senior VPs bring rich public sector backgrounds to their new roles. Kunada previously dedicated four years as a Transportation Engineer for the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government. Meanwhile, Purvis served in multiple roles during his 23-year tenure with the Mississippi Department of Transportation, including Roadway Design Division Engineer and Assistant Chief Engineer overseeing Preconstruction.