April 1st marked two milestones for Shine | DCCM: 70 years of shaping Texas’s landscape and the retirement of trailblazing leader Nedra Foster Townsend.
Founded in 1956 by Darrell Shine, Shine | DCCM began as a small, passionate land surveying firm rooted in a love for the land and the outdoors. Over the decades, the company has grown into a leader in surveying water and land boundaries, completing hundreds of miles of gradient boundary surveys on Texas’s major rivers and streams and surveying nearly 2 million acres across more than 100 counties. Shine | DCCM is recognized for its expertise in resolving complex boundary issues and is often called upon by other surveyors and attorneys for its deep historical knowledge and technical precision. The firm’s commitment to quality and responsiveness has made it a trusted partner for municipalities, private clients, and state agencies alike.
Nedra Foster Townsend’s story is woven into the very fabric of Shine | DCCM. Joining the company in 1981, Nedra became the first and only woman in Texas to earn the title of Licensed State Land Surveyor (LSLS). Rising to President in 2004, she has led the firm through decades of growth and innovation. Nedra’s expertise in water boundaries and her role as an expert witness in more than 20 boundary lawsuits have set new standards for the profession. Her leadership has inspired generations of surveyors, and her legacy includes not only technical achievements but also a commitment to mentorship and professional service.
As Shine | DCCM looks back on 70 years of excellence and looks forward to a future built on integrity and expertise, the company honors Nedra’s extraordinary career and the indelible mark she has left on the industry. Here’s to the past, present, and future of Shine | DCCM, and to Nedra, whose vision and dedication have helped define them both.
To learn more about Shine | DCCM’s history, expertise, and continued impact, visit www.shine.dccm.com
