BILOXI, Miss. (August 13, 2024) – Neel-Schaffer is thrilled to announce the creation of a new position for the firm’s South Mississippi Operations and the appointment of Clay Jones, an experienced former City Manager, to fill the role.

Clay, who served as the City Manager of D’Iberville, Mississippi, for six years, has joined Neel-Schaffer as the South Mississippi Business Development Coordinator. This strategic move underscores the firm’s dedication to strengthening existing client relationships and expanding its presence in the region.

Clay will strengthen the firm’s ability to assist clients in securing funding for projects and maximizing the value of available resources. With his extensive experience, Jones has a deep understanding of the intricacies and challenges of municipal management. He brings invaluable insights into the consultant selection process and the complexities of securing and managing state and federal funding.

“Clay managed a very successful city on the Coast,” said Steve Twedt, PE, the firm’s Senior Vice President for South Mississippi Operations. “We want him to take the knowledge he learned there and bring that to our clients. He can identify with their needs, and he can assist them in finding funding sources and programs that best fit those needs.”

Before serving D’Iberville as City Manager, Clay spent many years in law enforcement. He was D’Iberville’s Deputy Chief of Police for five years, and before that he was the Director of the Southern Regional Public Safety Institute, a state-certified academy for basic and advanced law enforcement training.

Clay said this diverse background has helped him be a good listener. “I understand their needs and goals and ambitions,” Jones said of clients. “That helps me provide them with the direction they need and make sure the services we offer them will help them meet their goals.”

Clay holds a Bachelor of Arts in Administrative Justice from the University of Southern Mississippi.