Jackson, Miss. (July 27, 2026) – Building on its continued investment in technology and innovation, Neel-Schaffer has named Vijay Kunada, PE, PTOE, PTP, as its first Chief Technology Officer (CTO), reinforcing the company’s commitment to operational excellence and technology-enabled solutions for clients.
This role reflects Neel-Schaffer’s continued focus on strengthening the tools available for its employees and clients. Vijay will oversee firmwide processes, emerging technologies, and innovation strategy, while also leading our approach to Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and data protection.
Since joining the firm in 2006, Vijay has helped Neel-Schaffer become a leader in Transportation Planning, expanding services for state and municipal clients across the firm’s nine-state footprint. He will continue to serve as Transportation Planning Practice Lead while taking on this new role as CTO.
A trusted leader, technical expert, and problem solver, Vijay serves as an Executive Vice President and member of Neel-Schaffer’s Board of Directors. He has been instrumental in advancing the firm’s technology strategy while championing practical, user-focused solutions across the organization.
“Vijay is a consistent and trusted leader for our firm,” said Robert Walker, PE, Neel-Schaffer’s Chief Operating Officer. “He brings a unique insight into how technology supports our work, having experienced it firsthand as both a project manager and a daily user. He understands our teams’ needs because he’s lived it.”
Added Joey Hudnall, PE, President & CEO: “Vijay is one of the smartest people I’ve had the opportunity to work with, and just as importantly, one of the most trusted. He brings a rare combination of technical expertise and an understanding of how our teams and clients operate. This is a well-deserved appointment, but more importantly, it’s one our company needs. Timing is everything, and the timing is right for Vijay and for Neel-Schaffer.”
Vijay has embraced this new challenge and is ready to support our teams by quickly and responsibly integrating new technologies.
“My focus is on making technology work better for our people and our clients,” Vijay said. “That means improving the day-to-day employee experience, automating repetitive tasks, and giving teams easier access to firm knowledge while always protecting our data and professional responsibilities.”
He added that by responsibly leveraging AI and modern tools, Neel-Schaffer can help employees work more efficiently and deliver smarter, higher-value solutions to clients.
Vijay holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in India and holds two advanced degrees from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a master’s in civil engineering and a master’s in computer science.
