Sarah McEwen, PE, CFM, M.ASCE
Vice President, Water Resources Practice Leader
Joining Neel-Schaffer in 2023, Sarah serves as the Water Resource Practice Leader for the company. In this role, Sarah partners with the firm’s regional and state leadership by aligning the practice’s resources to support strategic business development opportunities and operational initiatives. She also guides the practice’s staff development and continued growth, while ensuring exceptional client service by providing high-quality project delivery.
In January 2025, Sarah was promoted to a Vice President role with the firm.
In October 2025, Sarah received the 2025 Young Professional of the Year Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies during the ACEC’s Fall Conference. The ACEC selected five finalists for the award, representing engineering firms from across the country. The ACEC, which bills itself as the “business voice of America’s engineering industry,” represents nearly 5,500 engineering firms employing more than 600,000 engineers, architects, land surveyors and licensed professionals.
“This is a tremendous honor for Sarah, and I cannot think of a more deserving individual to win this award,” said Joey Hudnall, PE, Neel-Schaffer’s President and CEO. “In just a few years, Sarah has built a track record that stands out among her peers. Her impact goes beyond just delivering solutions for our clients. She strengthens the entire team along the way, pairing great humility with service and a commitment to her community.”
As a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) one of Sarah’s areas of focus is floodplain analysis, mapping, and FEMA compliance. Using her background in erosion control, site design, roadway, and bridge hydraulics, she also supports Departments of Transportation across Neel-Schaffer’s nine-state footprint.
“One of the things about Neel-Schaffer that keeps me passionate about my job is the opportunity to work so closely with our state and local communities,” said Sarah. “You come to work every day knowing that what you are working on will impact and improve the lives of your neighbors. The great and collaborative co-workers also support making this a fulfilling job.”
Outside of work, Sarah is active in her community, supporting and volunteering with the American Society of Civil Engineers through local and national roles including as a Presidential Appointee to the EWRI governing board and Chair of the Committee on Pre-College Outreach. She also assisted in creating a local non-profit, Friends of Mississippi River Basin Model, to save a local landmark and spread awareness of our historic preservation efforts.
