JACKSON, Miss. (July 10, 2025) – Neel-Schaffer is pleased to announce that Wes Mittlesteadt, PE, ENV SP, has joined the firm’s growing Aviation team in the new role of Deputy Aviation Discipline Lead.

Wes has served airports in a variety of roles split between the private and public sectors for nearly 20 years. Most recently, he worked with new Neel-Schaffer Aviation Discipline Leader Graham Coffelt, PE, in the Federal Aviation Administration’s Jackson and Memphis Airports District Offices (ADO) before being promoted to the role of Technical Support Advisor for the FAA Office of Airports – Airport Emerging Entrants Division in Washington, D.C.

“My time in FAA HQ gave me a unique perspective on safely incorporating emerging entrants and new technologies into the airport environment,” said Wes. “I am thankful for the opportunity to join Neel-Schaffer and assist in enhancing and expanding trusted airport partnerships, and I look forward to celebrating successes while bringing our client’s visions to reality through our core values of Care, Service, and Excellence.”

Wes is based in the firm’s Nashville (TN) Office and will work closely with Graham on developing staff and managing the strategic expansion of the firm’s service to airports across the company’s nine-state footprint.

“I’m thrilled to partner with Wes as we work together to help airports achieve their goals,” Graham offered. “Wes is a servant leader who always puts the airport first. His experience leading some of the nation’s most complex airport projects, especially during his time as lead engineer in the ADO, brings tremendous value to our clients. He also expands our capabilities in emerging areas like Commercial Space, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and Autonomous Ground Service Vehicles (AGSV). Wes’s background as a pilot brings a unique, user perspective that helps us think more innovatively to create solutions for the challenges our airports face. We’re fortunate to have him on board as we continue to grow.”

Wes is a Registered Professional Engineer in Tennessee and Kentucky and is a certified Envision Sustainability Professional. He also holds Airplane Single Engine Land (ASEL) and Remote Pilot certificates from the FAA. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Tennessee Tech University.