People Spotlight: Meet Drew Dodson
Our People Spotlight series offers an inside look at our technical experts around the world. This week, we’re featuring Drew Dodson, our Program Management Market Sector Lead for Austin, Houston and San Antonio, and celebrating the passion and purpose he brings to shaping higher education in Texas.
Drew combines architectural training, construction management expertise, and over two decades in the design and construction industry. As Program Director for the Alamo Colleges District 2017 Bond, he has guided teams through complex projects that deliver modern, inspiring learning environments. His leadership is marked by a personal connection to education, deep roots in San Antonio, and a commitment to building stronger communities through collaboration, innovation and client partnership.
Tell us about your role at AECOM and the markets you serve.
I serve as Program Management Director and Market Sector Lead for San Antonio, Austin and Houston. In this role, I oversee major programs — including the $450 million Alamo Colleges District Bond Program — while also supporting several clients in the Austin and Houston areas. My day-to-day includes guiding teams, building strong client relationships and creating new opportunities for growth across these regions.
What inspired your career path in program and construction management?
I began my career as a licensed architect in the state of Texas. While I love design, I was drawn to the construction management side of the industry, where I found my skill set and leadership style really aligned. Making the transition opened doors to working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including contractors, architects and clients, on projects that truly make a difference. Today, I get the best of both worlds: the ability to apply my design background while leading diverse teams to deliver impactful results.
Shifting from design to program management gave me the best of both worlds — using my architectural roots while leading teams to deliver projects that truly matter.
You have a special connection to Alamo Colleges. Can you share more about that?
Yes, this program is especially meaningful to me because of my family’s ties to Alamo Colleges. My mother took night classes at San Antonio College while raising me as a working parent. Seeing her dedication gave me a personal appreciation for the role community colleges play in changing lives. To now lead a program that strengthens these institutions in my hometown of San Antonio feels like coming full circle. It’s both a personal and professional chance to give back to the community that shaped me.
What makes the Alamo Colleges program unique?
Scale and impact. We are managing 24 construction and renovation projects across five colleges and three education centers. These projects range from advanced science and technology labs to first responder academies, digital libraries and student support spaces. The work touches every corner of the community, creating opportunities for students from all walks of life to succeed. The program also reflects Alamo’s national recognition for serving Hispanic and working-parent populations — something I saw firsthand through my mom.
The work touches every corner of the community, creating opportunities for students from all walks of life to succeed. The program also reflects Alamo’s national recognition for serving Hispanic and working-parent populations — something I saw firsthand through my mom.
Can you share your successful experience with Austin Independent School District’s (ISD) bond program?
We have a wonderful team at Austin ISD. I support our program director and her team of managers and coordinators to successfully deliver a great program. This role has allowed me to work closely with our team to deliver both new and renovated learning environments for Austin ISD’s staff, teachers, students and their families. It’s rewarding to know that these projects directly shape the educational experience of thousands of students in Austin and strengthen the broader community.
This role has allowed me to work closely with our team to deliver both new and renovated learning environments for Austin ISD’s staff, teachers, students and their families.
What advice would you give to young professionals starting in this field?
Stay flexible and open to opportunities. Don’t be afraid to step outside what you think your role should be. My own transition from architecture to construction management ended up being one of the best career decisions of my life. Say yes to opportunities, dive in and learn as you go — you never know where they may lead.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The people. Every day brings new challenges, new collaborations and new solutions. No two days are alike, and that variety keeps me energized. I value the strong teams I get to work with, both within AECOM and alongside our clients and partners. Together, we’re building not just facilities but environments for work and education within our communities.
Finally, what do you love most about your hometown of San Antonio?
San Antonio is a big city with a small-town feel. It’s rich in culture, history and community. From elementary school through college, my career and family, I have always loved this city. It’s home — and that makes the work I do here even more rewarding.
Drew’s leadership stands out as a powerful blend of technical expertise and personal dedication — driving transformative projects that uplift higher education and strengthen communities across Texas.