Professional networking is essential to your career success in today’s global and mobile society. You can count on NSPE and our state society partners to provide in-person and virtual events and opportunities that allow you to engage with peers from across all engineering disciplines and at all career stages.

Sharing “Member Spotlights” is another way NSPE facilitates getting to know your peers! Check out the current spotlight and consider sharing your information with NSPE so you can be featured.

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Name
Harry D. Gong, Jr., PE, FNSPE
Connect with Harry on LinkedIn

State of Residence
Mississippi

State License(s)
Mississippi and Alabama 

Type of PE
Environmental Engineering

Education
Mississippi State University – B.S. in Chemical Engineering (1999); B.S. in Chemistry (1999)

Current Employer and Websites
Mississippi State Department of Health
Bureau of Public Water Supply
Drinking Water SRF Program

Current Job Title
Drinking Water Infrastructure Engineering Director

Why did you choose engineering?
I loved chemistry and math from an early age and excelled in both. Chemical engineering was a natural fit, and I gravitated toward environmental coursework, which ultimately shaped my path as a professional environmental engineer.

What’s the most fulfilling part of your career?
Helping public water systems secure funding for essential improvements has been incredibly rewarding. Working with fellow engineers to advance safe drinking water infrastructure led to honors such as Engineer of the Year (local and state) and the George Warren Fuller Award in 2023.

Career or leadership advice for new graduates or younger PEs.
Get involved in professional and technical organizations. Volunteering and serving on committees builds your network, strengthens your skills, and opens doors for advancement.

How does ethics factor into your work?
I follow the NSPE Engineers' Creed, which emphasizes honest practice, service before profit, and prioritizing public welfare. These principles guide my decisions and ensure I uphold the safety, health, and welfare of the public.

One thing you’d ask of your PE peers.
Continue helping me learn and grow. I value hearing how others approach problems and apply their engineering judgment.

Why did you join NSPE?
Membership through the Mississippi State Society introduced me to a strong professional network and leadership opportunities. Since 2016, I’ve been active in NSPECon, served multiple terms as an NSPE House Delegate, and was inducted as an NSPE Fellow in 2020.

What you enjoy most about NSPE.
Connecting with engineers nationwide is valuable, but the greatest benefit is NSPE’s ethics resources, including the Code of Ethics and Board of Ethical Review cases.

Fun Facts
I’ve played trumpet since sixth grade and perform in my church orchestra. I was a longtime season ticket holder for the Mississippi Braves and now support the Mississippi Mud Monsters. As an MSU alumnus, I’m an avid Mississippi State baseball fan.