Nonprofit Center Staff
DAWN LOCKHART
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
DAWN LOCKHART
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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.
Contact Dawn if you need: information and resources for advocacy or lobbying local, statewide and national officials on issues concerning the nonprofit sector; recommendations for building alliances with people and organizations to advance your organization; and information on state of the nonprofit sector. Dawn facilitates the CEO Confidential member convening group.
CALLAN BROWN
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENT, PARTNERSHIPS & OPERATIONS
CALLAN BROWN
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENT, PARTNERSHIPS, & OPERATIONS
E: cbrown@NonprofitCtr.org
P: 904-425-1185
Callan is responsible for leading, conceptualizing, and implementing development and strategy that aligns with Nonprofit Center strategic goals. In her role she facilitates curriculum design, analyzes data and evaluations, and leads program revenue and expense strategies. She earned her Masters Degree in Public Administration at the University of North Florida with a focus in Nonprofit Management. Having worked for both small and large nonprofit organizations, Callan has experience in development, grant writing and management, and before joining the Nonprofit Center, was the Program Director for Take Stock in Children Clay County at the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast.
Callan first got involved with nonprofits while serving with AmeriCorps during her time at the Florida State University, where she earned her BA in Art History and Museum Studies. Her passion for the arts continues here in Jacksonville; Callan previously taught an arts enrichment program to youth in St. Johns County, and currently teaches dance to adults at Dance Trance Fitness.
Callan was born in New Jersey but calls Jacksonville her home; she loves exploring her Springfield neighborhood with her husband, Josh, and daughter, Marin.
Contact Callan with questions regarding programs such as our Professional Development Series, Ahead of the Curve Board Series, Clay County Outreach, and the Nonprofit Works Conference. Callan also manages program sponsorship and would be happy to discuss partnership opportunities with interested supporters.
ISSIS ALVAREZ
VICE PRESIDENT, PROGRAMS, ADVOCACY & COMMUNICATIONS
ISSIS ALVAREZ
PROGRAMS DIRECTOR
E: ialvarez@nonprofitctr.org
P: 904-425-8250
Issis Alvarez is the Program Director at the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida where she manages a portfolio of programming and capacity building initiatives. Her role encompasses program management, curriculum development, evaluation, and equity-based research.
With a background in community organizing, Issis volunteers for many equity-based organizations including serving as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for JASMYN. Prior to her work as Program Director she acted as the Jessie Ball duPont Center Animator where she developed and managed collaborative initiatives between 20+ nonprofit organizations.
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, she was raised in Tampa, Florida and later attended The Florida State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences. In her free time, Issis enjoys traveling and live music. She resides in Jacksonville with her husband, Arthur, along with their three children and two fur-babies.
ALLISON OWNBY
VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC PROJECTS
ALLISON OWNBY
DIRECTOR, RESEARCH & EVALUATION
E: aownby@nonprofitctr.org
P: 904-425-8758
With nearly 15 years of experience spanning business management, communications, and nonprofit leadership, Allison is dedicated to driving impactful change and fostering social progress. Her career includes nearly 10 years at Citi, where she served as Chief of Staff for the PBWM Technology COO, overseeing business routines, finance, HR, and communications for a $10MM budget. She led global initiatives promoting engineering excellence and managed transformative projects benefiting 8,000 employees. Known for her expertise in employee engagement, she organized events and recognition programs at Citi that significantly boosted morale and satisfaction.
Previously, Allison excelled in nonprofit management as Development Manager at Sulzbacher Center, orchestrating fundraising campaigns and managing external communications, raising over $1.5MM annually.
Armed with a master's degree and a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Florida State University, Allison blends strategic planning, project management, and financial acumen with a deep passion for social impact.
Allison lives in Jacksonville’s historic Riverside neighborhood with her husband, two daughters and a dog. In her spare time, she loves to cook new recipes or ride her bike around the neighborhood.
ASHLEA JONES
DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP SERVICES & PARTNERS
ASHLEA JONES
DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP
E: Ajones@nonprofitctr.org
P: 904-425-1831
Ashlea Jones joins the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida as the new Director of Membership, where she will focus on building and strengthening relationships with local nonprofits, expanding membership, and fostering strategic collaborations to enhance the impact of the sector.
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Ashlea brings over 10 years of experience in nonprofit administration, quality assurance, program management, and workforce development, along with a deep passion for community engagement and social change. She holds a Bachelor's in Human Services from FSCJ and a Master's in Public Administration, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of North Florida (UNF).
Ashlea’s career has been defined by her dedication to creating equitable opportunities and empowering communities. She has worked with respected organizations like Catholic Charities, Baptist Health, Read USA, and the YMCA, honing her expertise in areas such as workforce development, community outreach, and building cross-sector partnerships. Whether leading innovative programs or engaging community members, Ashlea is known for her vibrant, solutions-oriented approach that drives collaboration, builds trust, and sparks meaningful action.
Her leadership is not just about delivering results—it's about inspiring others and creating lasting impact. With a deep-rooted commitment to the nonprofit sector, Ashlea is excited to continue her work in Northeast Florida, using her skills, experience, and passion to elevate local nonprofits and strengthen the communities they serve.
RAMISHA SHABIL
RENA COUGHLIN RESEARCH FELLOW
RAMISHA SHABIL
Ramisha Shabil is the Rena Coughlin Research Fellow at the Nonprofit Center. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence at Troy University. Before beginning her graduate studies, Ramisha worked in the healthcare sector after earning her bachelor’s degree in Biomolecular Science from the University of Michigan. Originally from Michigan, Ramisha now resides in Jacksonville with her husband, who works in computer science and data analysis.