Pape-Dawson Engineers Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Pape-Dawson Engineers has 6 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, marketing, operational expansion, regional engineering, legal compliance, and corporate leadership.

Committed to excellence in civil infrastructure, Pape-Dawson Engineers delivers comprehensive multidisciplinary services to public and private clients while maintaining a legacy of professional integrity and technical innovation across diverse regional markets.

Leadership Roles at Pape-Dawson Engineers

  • Chief Financial Officer - Todd Wilson
  • Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets - Cara Tackett
  • Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region - Michael Preiss
  • President - Trey Dawson
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Melissa Kidd
  • Chief Legal Officer - Raymond Suire
  • Todd Wilson - Chief Financial Officer

    Todd Wilson, the Chief Financial Officer at Pape-Dawson Engineers, directs all fiscal planning and capital allocation strategies. Managing the financial health of the firm, the Chief Financial Officer oversees budgeting, tax compliance, and long-term investment planning to support multidisciplinary service growth. This leadership role involves analyzing data analytics to optimize project profitability across Texas and Tennessee operations. By maintaining rigorous internal controls, Todd Wilson ensures the firm remains competitive within the civil engineering sector. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to secure funding for infrastructure projects and technological upgrades. Through precise financial forecasting, Wilson stabilizes the company balance sheet while facilitating sustainable expansion. This executive oversight guarantees that Pape-Dawson Engineers maintains the necessary resources to deliver high-quality surveying, water resources, and transportation engineering solutions to a broad client base, ultimately driving consistent revenue growth and operational efficiency.

    Cara Tackett - Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets

    Cara Tackett, the Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets at Pape-Dawson Engineers, directs operational integration for new territories and acquisitions. Overseeing the transition of firms like RaganSmith, the Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets ensures seamless alignment of service delivery standards across state lines. This leadership role involves scaling multidisciplinary capabilities, including archaeology and data analytics, into emerging geographic regions. By standardizing project management protocols, Cara Tackett optimizes efficiency for cross-regional teams. The Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets collaborates with executive leadership to identify strategic growth vectors outside the core Texas footprint. Through rigorous operational oversight, Tackett mitigates risks associated with market entry and service diversification. This executive function drives the firm mission by extending high-quality civil engineering and professional services to new client bases. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets builds a scalable infrastructure that supports long-term organizational growth and maintains the reputation of the firm for technical excellence.
    Cara Tackett

    Michael Preiss - Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region

    Michael Preiss, the Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region at Pape-Dawson Engineers, manages daily operations across the primary Texas office network. Overseeing transportation engineering, water resources, and construction management projects, the Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region ensures technical quality and schedule adherence for all regional clients. This leadership role involves coordinating resources between San Antonio, Houston, and Fort Worth to maximize project delivery efficiency. By implementing advanced engineering workflows, Michael Preiss drives productivity across the multidisciplinary teams. The Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region works closely with project managers to resolve complex site challenges and regulatory hurdles. Through consistent operational oversight, Preiss maintains the high standards expected by public sector partners. This executive function supports the firm commitment to infrastructure development by ensuring that every project meets rigorous safety and design criteria. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region secures the operational foundation necessary for the firm to maintain its industry-leading position.

    Trey Dawson - President

    Trey Dawson, the President at Pape-Dawson Engineers, architects the overarching corporate vision and long-term strategic direction. Overseeing the entire multidisciplinary service portfolio, the President drives the firm mission to deliver exceptional civil engineering and professional services. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence across all office locations. By engaging with the Board and executive leadership, Trey Dawson sets the priorities for market expansion and service diversification. The President monitors the performance of key departments, including GIS, data analytics, and construction management, to ensure alignment with corporate objectives. Through decisive leadership, Dawson navigates the firm through evolving industry landscapes and competitive challenges. This executive function ensures that the company remains a leader in infrastructure development while maintaining the core values established in 1965. Ultimately, the President secures the future of the firm by balancing immediate operational success with sustainable, long-term growth strategies.

    Melissa Kidd - Chief Marketing Officer

    Melissa Kidd, the Chief Marketing Officer at Pape-Dawson Engineers, architects the brand strategy and market positioning for the firm. Overseeing corporate communications and business development initiatives, the Chief Marketing Officer drives engagement with public and private sector clients across all regional offices. This leadership role involves crafting messaging that highlights expertise in landscape architecture, land planning, and environmental sciences. By leveraging market research, Melissa Kidd identifies emerging opportunities for multidisciplinary service expansion. The Chief Marketing Officer coordinates with regional leads to ensure consistent brand representation during large-scale infrastructure pursuits. Through strategic digital campaigns and industry networking, Kidd elevates the firm profile in competitive markets. This executive function supports the overall growth trajectory by aligning marketing efforts with the technical capabilities of the engineering teams. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer secures a strong market presence, ensuring the firm remains the preferred partner for complex civil engineering and GIS projects.
    Raymond Suire, the Chief Legal Officer at Pape-Dawson Engineers, directs all legal strategy, risk management, and corporate governance. Overseeing contract negotiations for large-scale civil engineering projects, the Chief Legal Officer ensures compliance with state and federal regulations across all operating regions. This leadership role involves protecting the firm intellectual property and managing liability associated with complex land planning and transportation engineering services. By providing counsel on mergers and acquisitions, Raymond Suire facilitates the strategic growth of the company. The Chief Legal Officer collaborates with the executive team to navigate the legal complexities of environmental sciences and archaeology projects. Through proactive risk mitigation, Suire safeguards the reputation and assets of the firm. This executive function ensures that all business activities align with ethical standards and legal requirements. Ultimately, the Chief Legal Officer provides the necessary framework for the firm to operate securely while pursuing ambitious infrastructure development goals.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Pape-Dawson Engineers Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Pape-Dawson Engineers?
    Pape-Dawson Engineers is led by Todd Wilson (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Cara Tackett (Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets) and Michael Preiss (Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region).
    Who is part of Pape-Dawson Engineers’s executive team?
    The executive team of Pape-Dawson Engineers includes leaders such as Todd Wilson (Chief Financial Officer), Cara Tackett (Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets), Michael Preiss (Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Pape-Dawson Engineers have?
    Pape-Dawson Engineers has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Pape-Dawson Engineers’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Pape-Dawson Engineers includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets, Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region, President, Chief Marketing Officer.