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International Development

Move faster, manage risk and achieve sustainable impact at scale. We partner with governments, donors and development institutions to turn ambitious development goals into lasting results—strengthening institutions and delivering resilient infrastructure that improves lives.

Shannon Dotson

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Shannon Dotson

Contact Shannon

Building the future

Metolong Dam with water flowing, surrounded by hilly landscape in Lesotho.
Building with a red-tiled roof in a mountainous landscape, surrounded by bare trees, with people walking nearby.
Garbage truck dumping waste at landfill, workers in orange vests nearby, surrounded by birds, with a forested hill behind.

Bringing together world-class and local expertise for development funded by government clients, bilateral donors, multilateral banks, specialty funds and the private sector. 

Sustainability

Advancing responsible use of natural, financial and human capital by applying measures to multiply economic benefits, improve environmental and social conditions and reduce negative impacts.

Prosperity

Guiding development investment strategically to deliver the economic, social and environmental benefits intended and create conditions for societies to thrive.

Resiliency

Identifying vulnerabilities and changing conditions and applying practical tools and methodologies to strengthen critical infrastructure systems, based on decades of impact evaluation and resiliency planning experience.

Community 

Partnering with clients to engage communities affected by development through strategic outreach, risk communication and stakeholder participation for collaboration that enhances delivery and results.

Featured international development projects

We help design and build facilities, including desalination and reuse, for water security, earthquake-resilient schools, health clinics and community centers. We also offer planning and design of roads, bridges and transit systems for movement of goods and people. Our expertise includes energy conservation, efficiency and generation for smart power, as well as nature-based solutions for resource sustainability and economic prosperity.

Person in beige suit and red striped tie, standing outdoors.

CDM Smith’s global team of international development experts embraces the dramatic changes taking place now to create what comes next with our clients. 

Shannon Dotson, PE

Senior Civil Engineer

With over 25 years in civil engineering, Shannon leads global teams delivering transport corridor projects across rail, road and aviation worldwide.

Related Practices

Supporting practices that enhance project outcomes across the lifecycle.

Transit and Urban Mobility

We connect people and technology to build and modernize sustainable transportation infrastructure for the future, maximizing stakeholder funding and fueling long-term economic growth.

Water Conveyance

Whether you’re concerned about keeping existing water conveyance assets healthy or building new ones, we’re here to help you find the answers you need.

Water Resource Infrastructure and Resiliency

Forward-thinking water resources planning, design construction and operations means making smarter investments that lower life-cycle costs and provide multiple benefits.

Ready to Take the Next Steps

We love collaborating with passionate individuals and organizations. If you're interested in joining our team, check our careers page for open positions or internships.

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Let's Build Something Together

Have a project in mind or want to stay in the loop? Reach out to our team or subscribe to get the latest updates from our work.

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