As part of our commitment to the continued growth of our Water Resources Practice, Neel-Schaffer has appointed Sarah McEwen, PE, CFM, as Water Resources Practice Lead and Michael Phillips, PE, CFM, as Water Resources Technical Director.
Together, Sarah and Michael will provide strategic and technical leadership for the firm’s Water Resources Practice, strengthening Neel-Schaffer’s ability to deliver innovative solutions while supporting continued growth, technical excellence, and collaboration across our nine-state footprint.
As Water Resources Practice Lead, Sarah will partner with the firm’s regional and state leadership by aligning the practice’s resources to support strategic business development opportunities and operational initiatives. She will also guide the practice’s staff development and continued growth, while ensuring exceptional client service by providing high-quality project delivery.
Sarah brings more than 13 years of experience in hydrology, hydraulics, and drainage engineering. Based in Neel-Schaffer’s Jackson, Mississippi, office, she most recently served as the firm’s Central Region Hydrology & Hydraulics Discipline Lead. A Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), she has extensive experience in DOT drainage design, bridge hydraulics, scour evaluations, floodplain mapping, and hydrologic and hydraulic analysis.
“I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to serve Neel-Schaffer and lead our Water Resources Practice,” Sarah said. “This is a tremendous responsibility, but I have the privilege of working alongside an outstanding group of water resources professionals. I’m excited to continue building on the strong foundation we’ve created, supporting our people, and growing our practice together.”
In his new role as Water Resources Technical Director, Michael will serve as the firm’s technical leader for hydrologic and hydraulic modeling and design as well as the other specialties of coastal and environmental engineering. He will mentor staff, provide technical leadership on complex projects, and help advance quality standards across the Water Resources Practice.
Michael brings more than 25 years of experience in municipal and transportation drainage, flood remediation, and watershed modeling. Most recently serving as the firm’s East Region Hydrology & Hydraulics Discipline Lead, he has led complex water resources projects for municipalities, state departments of transportation, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“When I interviewed with Neel-Schaffer, one of the things I wanted most was a technical expert I could rely on and bounce ideas off of. I found that in Mike,” Sarah said. “For years, he’s been the person our team turns to when they need another perspective or help solving a complex challenge. I’m thrilled to see him step into this role, where he can expand that support across our entire footprint and continue strengthening our technical excellence.”
“Sarah has demonstrated the leadership, vision, and ability to bring people together that make her the right person to lead our Water Resources Practice,” said Robert Walker, PE, Chief Operating Officer for Neel-Schaffer. “She understands both the technical side of our business and the importance of developing our people and growing our practice. Under her leadership, we are well positioned to continue expanding our water resources capabilities and delivering exceptional service to our clients.”
These appointments position Neel-Schaffer to continue growing its Water Resources Practice while delivering innovative, high-quality solutions to clients across the Southeast.
