Pape-Dawson Engineers Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Pape-Dawson Engineers has 7 executives leading key functions including information technology, finance, marketing, operations, legal, and executive leadership.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, Pape-Dawson Engineers provides comprehensive multidisciplinary services across civil engineering, surveying, and environmental sciences, shaping infrastructure for public and private sectors.

Leadership Roles at Pape-Dawson Engineers

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

    David Motarjeme, the Chief Financial Officer at Pape-Dawson Engineers, oversees all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Motarjeme manages budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring the company's fiscal health and sustainable growth. This critical role involves optimizing financial performance across all business units, from civil engineering and land planning to environmental sciences and construction management. By analyzing market trends and managing investment strategies, David Motarjeme supports the firm's expansion initiatives and acquisition integration, including the recent expansion into Tennessee. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital in maintaining strong relationships with financial institutions and stakeholders, securing the resources necessary for Pape-Dawson Engineers to execute its ambitious growth objectives.

    Michael Preiss - Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region

    Michael Preiss, the Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region at Pape-Dawson Engineers, directs operational execution and strategic initiatives within Texas. Preiss oversees the day-to-day management of multiple Texas offices, including San Antonio and Houston, ensuring efficient delivery of comprehensive civil engineering and surveying services. This role involves optimizing resource allocation, enhancing project management methodologies, and driving operational excellence across all Texas-based teams. By focusing on client satisfaction and project profitability, Michael Preiss supports the firm's continued growth and market dominance within its home state. The Chief Operating Officer's leadership ensures seamless coordination between departments, from land planning to construction management, reinforcing Pape-Dawson Engineers' commitment to quality and timely project completion.

    Cara Tackett - Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets

    Cara Tackett, the Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets at Pape-Dawson Engineers, spearheads operational strategies for growth beyond the core Texas region. Tackett focuses on integrating new acquisitions, such as RaganSmith in Tennessee, and developing operational frameworks for emerging markets. This leadership position involves establishing best practices in surveying, GIS, and environmental sciences to ensure consistent service quality across diverse geographic areas. By identifying and mitigating operational challenges in new territories, Cara Tackett facilitates the successful expansion of Pape-Dawson Engineers' multidisciplinary services. The Chief Operating Officer's efforts are crucial in scaling the company's operations, fostering cross-regional collaboration, and solidifying its presence in new markets.
    Cara Tackett

    Trey Dawson - President

    Trey Dawson, the President at Pape-Dawson Engineers, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire organization. Dawson guides the company's vision, fostering a culture of innovation and client-centric service across all disciplines, including civil engineering, surveying, and landscape architecture. This position involves overseeing major strategic initiatives, driving business development, and ensuring the firm's continued success and expansion into new markets. By championing the company's core values and commitment to excellence, Trey Dawson reinforces Pape-Dawson Engineers' standing as an industry leader. The President's leadership is instrumental in shaping the company's future, guiding its growth, and maintaining its reputation for delivering high-quality professional services.

    Norm Ayubi - Chief Information Officer

    Norm Ayubi, the Chief Information Officer at Pape-Dawson Engineers, directs the company's technology strategy and digital infrastructure. Overseeing all IT operations, Ayubi ensures the seamless integration of advanced technological solutions across the firm's diverse service offerings, including civil engineering, surveying, and GIS. This leadership role involves managing data analytics platforms and cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive client information and proprietary company data. By optimizing internal systems and implementing innovative software, Norm Ayubi drives operational efficiency and supports the firm's expansion into new markets. The Chief Information Officer's focus remains on leveraging technology to enhance client service delivery and maintain Pape-Dawson Engineers' industry-leading position.

    Melissa Kidd - Chief Marketing Officer

    Melissa Kidd, the Chief Marketing Officer at Pape-Dawson Engineers, leads all marketing, branding, and business development efforts. Kidd orchestrates comprehensive strategies to enhance the company's market presence and client engagement across its extensive service portfolio, including transportation engineering, water resources, and landscape architecture. This position involves developing targeted campaigns that highlight Pape-Dawson Engineers' expertise in both public and private sector projects. By fostering strong client relationships and identifying new business opportunities, Melissa Kidd drives revenue growth and market penetration. The Chief Marketing Officer's strategic vision ensures consistent brand messaging and strengthens the firm's reputation as an industry leader in civil engineering and professional services.
    Raymond Suire, the Chief Legal Officer at Pape-Dawson Engineers, provides strategic legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the firm. Suire manages contract negotiations, risk assessment, and compliance across all service lines, including civil engineering, transportation engineering, and environmental sciences. This role is critical in safeguarding the company's interests and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards in both public and private sector projects. By advising on legal implications of business decisions and managing litigation, Raymond Suire supports the firm's operational integrity and expansion efforts. The Chief Legal Officer's expertise is essential in navigating complex legal landscapes and protecting Pape-Dawson Engineers' assets and reputation.

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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 David Motarjeme (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Michael Preiss (Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region) and Cara Tackett (Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets).
    Who is part of Pape-Dawson Engineers’s executive team?
    The executive team of Pape-Dawson Engineers includes leaders such as David Motarjeme (Chief Financial Officer), Michael Preiss (Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region), Cara Tackett (Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Pape-Dawson Engineers have?
    Pape-Dawson Engineers has 7 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, Texas Region, Chief Operating Officer, Expanding Markets, President, Chief Information Officer.