As the former Director of Strategic Partnerships for the City of Jacksonville, Dawn built the inaugural office of strategic partnerships, the first in the Southeastern United States and was responsible for developing a shared agenda between the private sector, philanthropy, nonprofits and government. Working across all sectors, she developed strategic partnerships which facilitated innovative collaborations and program policy reforms resulting in better outcomes for citizens.   In 2023, her successful efforts were recognized by the Council on Foundations and the Secretary of HUD as a partnership awardee for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships.  

She previously served as president and chief executive officer of Family Foundations of Northeast Florida, Inc., a nonprofit corporation which provides mental health, financial and housing counseling, asset building, financial literacy education and advocacy services in northeast Florida. During her many years of service, she led the organization and the community with the advancement of successful program initiatives that increased the quality of life for thousands of families and individuals.   

She was recently selected as a member of the Leap of Reason Ambassador Community, a national network of accomplished social sector executives.  She formally served as a member of the boards of directors of the Jacksonville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and the 1000 in 1000 Leadership Council.  She is former chair of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling board of trustees and has served in many local volunteer leadership roles with community organizations.   

Dawn received a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Florida State University and attended Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute, Center for the Study of Voluntary Organization and Service, Professional Continuing Education Studies. She has consulted with local, regional and national foundations and nonprofits to advance their collective impact strategies and is a Community Coach with the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida.  

She received the Downtown Vision Achievement Award in 2022, the City Rescue Mission Difference Maker Award in 2021, the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities National Partnership Award in 2014, the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ DollarWise Award in 2014, the NFCC Housing Client of the Year Award in 2013, the NFCC Making a Difference Member Award in 2009 and the Mayor’s Commission of the Status of Women in 2009. 

Dawn, her husband Bruce, and Winston, their fluffy golden retriever, live in St. Johns, Florida.