Guest Profile

Dawn Emerick

Dawn Emerick has more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership, organizational transformation, and public policy. She’s a TEDx speaker, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and has led enterprise-wide restructuring efforts nationally in the US. She has been a CEO of the Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida, a Health & Human Services Executive Director in Oregon, and Chief Strategy Officer of the Jacksonville Civic Council. She now serves as the Managing Director of People, Operations & Strategy for City Year Jacksonville, where she integrates design thinking, employee engagement, and trauma-informed frameworks.

 

Dawn holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Education, a Master’s in Public Administration, and a Doctor of Education Leadership. She was accepted into Johns Hopkins Population Health Management graduate program, and holds certifications in Change Management and Mental Health First Aid.

 

Dawn is a creator and community leader. She hosts the Leadership Uncensored podcast, has authored the book The Hurt Leader, teaches part-time at the University of North Florida, and speaks nationally on trauma-informed workplaces. She serves on the board of the Murray Hill Preservation Association, is an active member of the Women’s Giving Alliance, coordinates the Jacksonville Chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino, and founded the AttaGirl Giving Circle to support women and families in crisis.

 

In 2023, she walked a 280-kilometer solo pilgrimage, deepening her perspective on trust, resilience, and leadership which she weaves into every facet of her work. She is a Level 1 sommelier, an avid sports fan, and passionate traveler. Dawn works hard, laughs loud, sings off-key, and treasures her role as a proud mom to three children and joyful “Nona” to her three grandchildren.