Jackson, Miss. (Sept. 9, 2026) – Neel-Schaffer’s Chris Knotts, PE, F.ASCE, BC.WRE, has received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), recognizing more than a decade of service to the organization and his contributions to the engineering profession.

Chris received the national award during NCEES’s 105th annual meeting in Henderson, Nevada.

A longtime advocate for professional licensure and service to the engineering community, Chris has volunteered with NCEES since 2013 and served as the organization’s national President in 2020-21. His term came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when NCEES and its member boards were navigating significant challenges related to professional examinations, licensure and operations.

For Chris, however, the recognition is about more than the positions he has held.

“It is very humbling to be recognized by your peers,” Chris said. “It’s a national award, and it’s nice to be recognized for the time and effort you have given to the organization, time that coincides with time you had to give up from your family. When I accepted the award, I made sure to thank my wife, Margaret, because without her understanding, I would not have been able to dedicate all those days and hours to NCEES.”

That commitment to service extends well beyond NCEES. Chris has also been actively involved with the Louisiana Engineering Society, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board (LAPELS). In 2023, he received the NCEES Southern Zone Distinguished Service Award.

“This award is a product of the commitments Chris has made to our industry over many, many years,” said Nick Ferlito, PE, PTOE, Neel-Schaffer’s Louisiana Operations Manager. “He has dedicated his time not only to NCEES but also to ASCE and LAPELS. We encourage all our employees to participate in professional organizations, but Chris had been doing that long before he joined us. To see that service recognized by his peers is a tremendous tribute to Chris, and we’re fortunate to have him on our team.”

Chris joined Neel-Schaffer in 2023 as Vice President for Louisiana Business Development, bringing more than 40 years of engineering experience. Before joining the firm, he spent 26 years with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, including six years as Chief Engineer, where he oversaw the department’s Office of Engineering and more than 550 employees.

Today, Chris draws on that experience to support Neel-Schaffer’s clients and operations across Louisiana while continuing the professional service that has been a defining part of his career.