Pape-Dawson Engineers Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Pape-Dawson Engineers has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, information technology, finance, operations, legal, and market expansion.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, Pape-Dawson Engineers provides comprehensive multidisciplinary services across Texas and beyond, shaping infrastructure and communities through expert civil engineering and professional services.

Leadership Roles at Pape-Dawson Engineers

  • Chief Executive Officer - Samuel Dawson
  • Chief Financial Officer - David Motarjeme
  • Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region - Michael Preiss
  • Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets - Cara Tackett
  • President - Trey Dawson
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Melissa Kidd
  • Chief Information Officer - Norm Ayubi
  • Chief Legal Officer - Raymond Suire
  • Samuel Dawson - Chief Executive Officer

    Samuel Dawson, the Chief Executive Officer at Pape-Dawson Engineers, directs the overarching corporate strategy and vision. Dawson guides the firm's expansion initiatives, ensuring alignment with market demands for comprehensive multidisciplinary services. This leadership role involves fostering innovation across all departments, from civil engineering and surveying to environmental sciences and construction management. Samuel Dawson oversees the integration of new technologies and methodologies to enhance service delivery for public and private sector clients. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on sustainable growth and maintaining Pape-Dawson Engineers' position as an industry leader. Strategic decisions under Dawson's purview impact the firm's operational footprint and client relationships across Texas and its expanding markets.

    David Motarjeme - Chief Financial Officer

    David Motarjeme, the Chief Financial Officer at Pape-Dawson Engineers, manages the firm's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Motarjeme oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring fiscal responsibility across all service lines such as civil engineering, land planning, and construction management. This critical role involves managing financial risks and identifying investment opportunities to support the company's growth across Texas and its expanding markets. David Motarjeme directs the financial aspects of acquisitions and new business ventures, ensuring profitability and sustainable expansion. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital for maintaining the financial stability and strategic direction of Pape-Dawson Engineers. Motarjeme's leadership ensures robust financial controls and supports long-term business objectives.

    Michael Preiss - Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region

    Michael Preiss, the Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region at Pape-Dawson Engineers, directs operational execution and efficiency within Texas. Preiss oversees the day-to-day management of all projects and service delivery across the state, encompassing civil engineering, surveying, water resources, and environmental sciences. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation and ensuring high standards of quality and client satisfaction throughout Pape-Dawson Engineers' Texas operations. Michael Preiss focuses on streamlining processes and enhancing productivity within the regional teams. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include managing operational budgets and driving performance improvements to support the firm's strategic goals in its primary market. Preiss ensures seamless project execution and operational excellence across all Texas locations.

    Cara Tackett - Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets

    Cara Tackett, the Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets at Pape-Dawson Engineers, spearheads operational strategies for new geographic territories and service integrations. Tackett directs the successful launch and management of operations in newly acquired or developed markets, including the integration of firms like RaganSmith in Tennessee. This role involves establishing operational frameworks for diverse services such as landscape architecture, land planning, and transportation engineering in these expanding regions. Cara Tackett focuses on ensuring operational scalability and consistency as Pape-Dawson Engineers grows its national footprint. The Chief Operating Officer's objective is to replicate the firm's success and high standards in new markets, driving growth beyond its Texas base. Tackett's leadership is crucial for the firm's strategic expansion initiatives.
    Cara Tackett

    Trey Dawson - President

    Trey Dawson, the President at Pape-Dawson Engineers, drives strategic initiatives and operational oversight across the organization. Dawson leads key business development efforts and fosters relationships with major clients and stakeholders, ensuring the firm's continued growth and market leadership in civil engineering and professional services. This role involves collaborating with the executive team to set corporate objectives and execute strategic plans. Trey Dawson focuses on enhancing the company's service offerings and expanding its reach within Texas and beyond. The President's leadership ensures that Pape-Dawson Engineers consistently delivers high-quality solutions and maintains its reputation for excellence. Dawson's vision guides the firm's trajectory and operational success.

    Melissa Kidd - Chief Marketing Officer

    Melissa Kidd, the Chief Marketing Officer at Pape-Dawson Engineers, drives brand strategy and market penetration. Kidd oversees all marketing and communications efforts, ensuring consistent messaging across diverse service lines including civil engineering, surveying, GIS, and environmental sciences. This role involves developing targeted campaigns to reach both public and private sector clients throughout Texas and expanding markets. Melissa Kidd directs market research initiatives to identify new opportunities and competitive advantages. The Chief Marketing Officer's responsibilities include managing the company's digital presence and public relations, reinforcing Pape-Dawson Engineers' reputation for expertise and reliability. Kidd's strategic direction supports the firm's growth objectives by enhancing client engagement and market visibility.

    Norm Ayubi - Chief Information Officer

    Norm Ayubi, the Chief Information Officer at Pape-Dawson Engineers, architects the company's technology infrastructure and digital transformation. Ayubi directs the implementation of advanced IT solutions to support a wide array of services, including surveying, GIS, data analytics, and transportation engineering. This leadership position involves ensuring the security and efficiency of all information systems across Pape-Dawson Engineers' multiple Texas offices and its expanding markets. Norm Ayubi oversees the integration of new software and hardware to optimize operational workflows and enhance client data management. The Chief Information Officer's strategic focus is on leveraging technology to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge in the civil engineering and professional services sector. Ayubi's efforts ensure robust technological support for all company functions.
    Raymond Suire, the Chief Legal Officer at Pape-Dawson Engineers, provides expert counsel on all legal matters affecting the firm. Suire oversees contract negotiation, risk management, and compliance across all service areas, including civil engineering, surveying, and construction management. This position involves safeguarding the company's interests and ensuring adherence to all relevant regulations in Texas and its expanding markets. Raymond Suire advises senior leadership on legal implications of business decisions and strategic initiatives. The Chief Legal Officer's responsibilities include managing litigation and ensuring that all corporate activities align with legal standards. Suire's guidance is essential for maintaining the integrity and operational security of Pape-Dawson Engineers.

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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 Samuel Dawson (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as David Motarjeme (Chief Financial Officer) 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 Samuel Dawson (Chief Executive Officer), David Motarjeme (Chief Financial Officer), Michael Preiss (Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Pape-Dawson Engineers have?
    Pape-Dawson Engineers has 8 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 Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region, Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets, President.