James R. (Jim) Neal is a Professional Engineer and Strategic Business Development Coordinator for Mattern & Craig, Charleston, S.C. Prior to his current position he served as the Public Works Director for Charleston County, S.C. He has been involved in the public works profession for the past 40 years. Following his retirement from the U.S. Army after serving 20 years as an engineer officer, he worked as a Senior Project Manager for the City of Charleston, S.C., designing, renovating, and constructing major facilities for the city. As the Director of Public Works for one of the largest counties in South Carolina for over 11 years, he led a team of more than 200 employees.
Neal has been active in APWA as the President of the South Carolina Chapter, after serving as the Vice President and President-Elect. Prior to joining the board, he was the South Carolina Chapter Delegate. At the national level, he served as the chair of the Accreditation Council and worked with the Young Professionals Committees. As a delegate he was active with the Council of Chapters’ Public Works Leadership of the Future Committee. In 2016, he was selected as one of APWA’s Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year.