Director
Since moving to Madison County in 2009 as Neel-Schaffer’s Chief
Operating Officer, Joey Hudnall has been deeply involved in the county’s growth and development, both professionally and personally. Over the past 15 years, Joey has made significant contributions to the local community, demonstrating his commitment to the area through his leadership and service. Now serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of Neel-Schaffer, Joey oversees the firm’s 37 offices across nine states, with over 600 employees—more than 40 of whom reside in Madison County— reflecting the remarkable growth he has spearheaded. Under Joey’s leadership, Neel-Schaffer has grown into one of the leading engineering firms in the Southeast. This growth is demonstrated in the company’s consistent presence on Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms list, where it first appeared in 1994 at 458th and now ranks 202nd in 2024.
Joey’s dedication to Madison County is evident in his leadership at Neel-Schaffer and his role in driving local economic development. Neel-Schaffer has played a crucial role in advancing infrastructure projects and encouraging business growth, helping to secure the county’s position as a financial center in Mississippi. The firm has served as the Engineer of Record for numerous critical infrastructure projects in Madison County, including new wastewater facilities for the upcoming Amazon Data Center in Canton. Other significant projects Neel-Schaffer has played a role in include the Nissan Manufacturing Plant, the I-55 Nissan Parkway Interchange, Nissan Logistics Center, all phases of the Renaissance at Colony Park Lifestyle Center, the Amazon Fulfillment Center Warehouse, key roadway projects on Gluckstadt Road, Bozeman Road, Highway 463 and Strawberry Bridge project, as well as several recreational projects that enhance residents’ quality of life in Madison County including multi-use trails and sports fields.
Beyond his professional work, Joey is actively involved in the Madison County community. He and his family, including his wife Neely and their sons Harper and Hampton, are proud residents of Madison County. His sons attended Madison-Ridgeland Academy, and Harper, after graduating from Mississippi College, now coaches’ basketball at the school, further connecting the family to the local community. After graduating from Mississippi State University, Hampton works for the Ridgeland based law firm, Butler Snow.
Joey and Neely attend Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison, where he and his son Hampton have participated in mission trips with the church locally and in other countries, reflecting his commitment to service. This commitment extends to his professional life, where Joey leads Neel-Schaffer’s focus on community, based on the company’s core values of Care, Service, and Excellence. As CEO, Joey initiated the formation of Neel-Schaffer’s Culture Team, encouraging employees to promote a culture of teamwork and uphold these values within the organization.
Joey is a longtime member and Past President of Mississippi Main Street, an organization dedicated to preserving, growing, and revitalizing thriving commercial districts in towns and communities across the state. He has served on the Boards of the Capital Club of Jackson, the Mississippi Road Builders Association, and is a graduate of Leadership of Greater Jackson Area. He is a member of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
