Pape-Dawson Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to excellence in civil engineering and professional services, Pape-Dawson delivers comprehensive infrastructure solutions while maintaining a focus on sustainable growth and multidisciplinary innovation across public and private sectors.

Leadership Roles at Pape-Dawson

  • Chief Financial Officer - David Motarjeme
  • 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
  • David Motarjeme - Chief Financial Officer

    David Motarjeme, the Chief Financial Officer at Pape-Dawson, directs all fiscal operations and capital allocation strategies. Overseeing the financial health of the firm, the Chief Financial Officer ensures robust budgeting and resource management across all multidisciplinary service lines. This leadership role involves analyzing data to support long-term investment in civil engineering and surveying technologies. By optimizing internal financial controls, David Motarjeme directly impacts the company's ability to scale operations across Texas and Tennessee. Motarjeme manages complex reporting requirements for both public and private sector clients, ensuring fiscal transparency. Through rigorous oversight of project profitability and overhead costs, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the economic stability necessary for sustained growth. Ultimately, Motarjeme secures the financial foundation required for the firm to deliver high-quality infrastructure and environmental science projects throughout the regional market footprint.

    Cara Tackett - Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets

    Cara Tackett, the Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets at Pape-Dawson, directs the integration and operational scaling of new territories. Overseeing the transition of acquired entities like RaganSmith, the Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets ensures seamless service delivery across the Tennessee region. This leadership role involves standardizing project management protocols and GIS workflows to match the firm's high standards. By aligning cross-functional teams, Cara Tackett directly impacts the efficiency of multidisciplinary service delivery in non-Texas markets. Tackett manages the expansion of archaeology and data analytics capabilities into these new operational zones. Through strategic coordination with regional leadership, the Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets facilitates the growth of the firm's footprint. Ultimately, Tackett secures operational excellence by bridging the gap between established engineering practices and the unique requirements of newly entered geographic markets.
    Cara Tackett

    Michael Preiss - Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region

    Michael Preiss, the Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region at Pape-Dawson, directs the daily execution of civil engineering and transportation projects across the home state. Overseeing operations in San Antonio, Houston, and Fort Worth, the Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region ensures project delivery meets rigorous quality standards. This leadership role involves managing the allocation of technical staff and resources for complex infrastructure and water resource initiatives. By optimizing field operations and surveying workflows, Michael Preiss directly impacts the firm's productivity and client satisfaction. Preiss coordinates with department heads to ensure environmental sciences and construction management teams remain synchronized on large-scale developments. Through constant monitoring of regional project lifecycles, the Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region maintains high performance across the firm's core territory. Ultimately, Preiss secures the operational success of the company's most established and high-volume market segments.

    Trey Dawson - President

    Trey Dawson, the President at Pape-Dawson, directs the overarching strategic vision and corporate mission of the firm. Overseeing the executive leadership team, the President ensures alignment across all multidisciplinary service lines, from transportation engineering to data analytics. This leadership role involves setting the long-term growth trajectory and fostering a culture of professional excellence. By championing the firm's commitment to high-quality civil engineering and surveying, Trey Dawson directly impacts the company's reputation and market influence. Dawson manages the integration of new acquisitions and the expansion of services into diverse geographic regions. Through consistent engagement with the Board and key stakeholders, the President drives the firm's evolution in the competitive infrastructure sector. Ultimately, Dawson secures the future of the organization by balancing operational efficiency with a dedication to delivering impactful solutions for public and private sector clients.

    Melissa Kidd - Chief Marketing Officer

    Melissa Kidd, the Chief Marketing Officer at Pape-Dawson, architects the brand strategy and market positioning for the firm. Overseeing corporate communications and business development outreach, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures alignment with the company's multidisciplinary service offerings. This leadership role involves crafting targeted campaigns to attract public and private sector clients across the Texas and Tennessee markets. By leveraging data analytics to identify emerging infrastructure needs, Melissa Kidd directly impacts the firm's competitive standing. Kidd manages the integration of landscape architecture and land planning messaging into broader corporate narratives. Through consistent brand management, the Chief Marketing Officer drives engagement with key stakeholders and industry partners. Ultimately, Kidd secures a strong market presence by highlighting the firm's expertise in transportation engineering, water resources, and environmental sciences to diverse client bases.
    Raymond Suire, the Chief Legal Officer at Pape-Dawson, directs all corporate governance and risk management initiatives. Overseeing the legal framework for multidisciplinary service contracts, the Chief Legal Officer ensures compliance with state and federal regulations across all operational regions. This leadership role involves navigating complex land planning and environmental law requirements for public and private sector projects. By mitigating liability through rigorous contract review and policy development, Raymond Suire directly impacts the firm's operational security. Suire manages interactions with regulatory bodies and external counsel to protect the company's interests during large-scale infrastructure developments. Through proactive legal strategy, the Chief Legal Officer supports the firm's expansion into new markets like Tennessee. Ultimately, Suire secures the long-term integrity of the organization by providing the legal guidance necessary for safe and compliant engineering and surveying operations.

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

    Who leads Pape-Dawson?
    Pape-Dawson is led by David Motarjeme (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’s executive team?
    The executive team of Pape-Dawson includes leaders such as David Motarjeme (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 have?
    Pape-Dawson has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Pape-Dawson’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Pape-Dawson includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets, Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region, President, Chief Marketing Officer.