JACKSON, Miss. (October 7, 2025) – Neel-Schaffer is pleased to announce that Sarah McEwen, PE, CFM, received the 2025 Young Professional of the Year Award today from the American Council of Engineering Companies during the ACEC’s Fall Conference in San Diego.

Sarah is a Water Resources Engineer and Manager who joined Neel-Schaffer in 2023 and has more than 12 years of experience. She is the youngest Vice President in Neel-Schaffer history and leads a multi-state water resources practice.

The ACEC selected five finalists for the award, representing engineering firms from across the country. The ACEC, which bills itself as the “business voice of America’s engineering industry,” represents nearly 5,500 engineering firms employing more than 600,000 engineers, architects, land surveyors and licensed professionals.

“I am very humbled and honored to win this award, considering the other finalists,” said Sarah. “They truly are amazing, and to be counted in their group is amazing to me. I am excited about the scholarship and to see what the scholarship and leadership experience with ACEC has in store for me in the future.”

“This is a tremendous honor for Sarah, and I cannot think of a more deserving individual to win this award,” said Joey Hudnall, PE, Neel-Schaffer’s President and CEO. “In just a few years, Sarah has built a track record that stands out among her peers. She is a rare blend of technical talent, leadership, and drive. Her depth of knowledge in hydrology and hydraulics is matched only by her ability to lead. Her impact goes beyond just delivering solutions for our clients. She strengthens the entire team along the way, pairing great humility with service and a commitment to her community.”

As the Young Professional of the Year winner, Sarah will receive a scholarship from the ACEC College of Fellows to attend the virtual ACEC Business of Design Consulting seminar. This provides valuable training in business management and leadership, which is critical for success in an engineering firm. 

Sarah is the first nominee from ACEC Mississippi to be chosen as a finalist for the Young Professional of the Year Award. The award is open to engineers up to age 35 and is intended to recognize the accomplishments of young professionals who have contributed to the engineering profession while making an impact on society.

Sarah holds a B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Mississippi State University and is a Registered Professional Engineer and a Certified Floodplain Manager. She is an active member of the Association of Floodplain Managers and has led complex projects in hydrology, 1D/2D hydraulic modeling, bridge and roadway hydraulics, scour analysis, flood mapping, and stream stabilization.

She is also a passionate advocate for professional service and has held numerous leadership roles within the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and ACEC Mississippi. Additionally, Sarah is a co-founder of Friends of Mississippi River Basin Model, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving a historic engineering landmark and promoting STEM education through public engagement and historical awareness.