JACKSON, Miss. (Oct. 29, 2026) – When Chris Knotts, PE, F.ASCE, BC.WRE, reflected on receiving a national award for his service to the engineering profession, he thanked the people who made it possible.
“It is very humbling to be recognized by your peers,” said Knotts. “It is 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.”
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying’s 2026 Distinguished Service Award recognized 13 years of commitment. For Knotts, including Margaret in that recognition was part of telling the whole story.
At Neel-Schaffer, he shares that dedication with Steve Twedt, PE, and David Bowman, PE. Together, the three have 120 years of engineering experience and believe guiding the profession is a responsibility worth embracing.
For Twedt, the motivation is the same as for any cause close to his heart. He sees volunteering as part of serving a community, “whether it is your church, favorite charity, or your profession. Giving your time and effort to something you are passionate about is very rewarding.”
That belief has kept him involved in the Mississippi Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors since 2016. Bowman recently joined him on the licensing board, continuing his own long history of service to engineering and public works organizations.
Licensing boards and professional societies let engineers shape what comes next for their profession. They uphold qualifications and ethical standards, help engineers learn from one another, and support those preparing to enter the field. Their strength depends on experienced professionals willing to take an active role in that work.
“What I appreciate about David, Chris, and Steve is their continued passion in promoting excellence and integrity in the Engineering profession,” said Melinda McGrath, PE, Executive Vice President for Neel-Schaffer’s Central Region. “They have so much experience to offer, and they’re willing to put it to work for others. That’s how a profession grows stronger, people caring about its future and taking responsibility for helping shape it.”
Knotts has contributed at both the state and national levels, including serving as NCEES president. His involvement has given him opportunities to help guide the standards that connect engineers and surveyors across the country. The recent award recognizes a commitment that has continued well beyond any one leadership position.
For Bowman, joining the Mississippi licensing board marks a new chapter in an established pattern of service. He has been involved with the American Council of Engineering Companies for two decades, representing Mississippi colleagues and contributing to national discussions about the profession. Now, serving alongside Twedt, he brings that experience to the board that oversees engineering and surveying licensing in the state.
Their paths differ, but each has chosen to stay involved, share what experience has taught them, and help others carry the profession forward. At Neel-Schaffer, that commitment reflects Care, Service and Excellence through the work they willingly take on for the broader engineering community.
Twedt puts the purpose plainly.
“I believe engineering is a noble profession,” he said. “The stated mission and vision of the organizations I am involved in are to safeguard life, health, and property and to promote public welfare through engineering licensure. I am fortunate to work for a company that supports my involvement in these organizations.”
For Twedt, Knotts and Bowman, that service is part of the legacy they are still building, one that will continue through the engineers who follow them.
