B.S., University of Texas at Austin, 1988
Neil Graff has built a career that is dedicated to improving our communities, protecting our environment, and increasing the resiliency of public infrastructure. A leader in implementing water and wastewater projects, Neil has also helped communities implement many groundbreaking projects for all types of infrastructure.
A fifth generation Texan born in Hondo, Texas, Neil graduated with High Honors from The University of Texas in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. After college, Neil joined Turner Collie and Braden, Inc. where he worked on various water supply and flood control projects. In 1991, Neil joined HDR, Inc. where he has served as HDR’s Texas Water Program Lead, Central Texas Assistant Area Manager, and Regional Director of Operations for Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Neil’s current assignment as Domestic Operations Director includes operational responsibility for the firm’s US architectural and engineering practices. In January 2021, Neil will assume the role of North American Operations Director and will join HDR’s Executive Leadership Team.
Throughout his career, Neil has led large projects including the design of the Twin Oaks Water Treatment Plant, which is part of the San Antonio Water System’s Aquifer Storage and Recovery Program. He has also been involved in several large infrastructure projects, including serving as HDR’s Principal in Charge for the IH 35 Managed Lanes Project, a design build project which expanded the roadway corridor from Loop 635 in Dallas to Denton, Texas.
In 2000, Neil was recognized by HDR as a Professional Associate and was honored as the Young Engineer of the Year by the Travis Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. He has also served as Chair of the AWWA National Water Treatment Plant Design and Construction Committee, as a Board member of the Texas Chapter of the American Consulting Engineer’s Council, and in various other industry leadership positions.
Neil is married to Stacy Graff and they have two daughters, Sarah and Rebekah. Neil has volunteered widely in his community including serving in his church, the Dripping Springs community, and various mission work across Texas. Neil and Stacy are supporters of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Scleroderma Foundation, and members of the Presidential Circle at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor where they created the Graff Family Endowed Scholarship for Nursing and Christian Studies majors.
