Habitat for Humanity names new chief executive officer
Dawn Smith.
Smith brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership
– Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County has appointed Dawn Smith as its next chief executive officer, succeeding Anthony Overton, who has transitioned to a leadership role overseeing dual enrollment initiatives at Cuesta College.
Smith has served as the organization’s director of development for more than three years. During that time, she led fundraising growth, strengthened donor and corporate engagement systems, expanded grant funding capacity, and increased visibility for the organization’s home preservation and new home construction programs throughout San Luis Obispo County.
As chief executive officer, Smith will oversee the organization’s new construction, home preservation, and ReStore programs while directing its strategic priorities and expanding community partnerships that support families, seniors, veterans, and individuals working toward safe and stable housing.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am delighted to welcome Dawn as our new CEO,” Board Chair Jessica Steely said. “Her vision, professionalism, and dedication to Habitat SLO have already strengthened our organization in meaningful ways. Dawn leads with both heart and purpose, bringing people together around a shared commitment to serving our community. We are confident that her leadership will guide Habitat SLO into an exciting new chapter of growth and impact.”
Smith brings more than 20 years of nonprofit and executive leadership experience. Before joining Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County, she served as director of development for the San Luis Coastal Education Foundation and communications director for the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce.
Earlier in her career, Smith served as executive director of the Golden and Conifer chambers of commerce in Colorado, where she led organizational revitalization efforts and directed community events including the Fine Arts Festival, street fairs, music festivals, Christmas parades, chili cook-offs, beer tastings, and farmers markets. She also served as a development manager for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, helping produce statewide fundraising events including Bike MS and Walk MS. Smith began her career as a high school teacher and later spent nearly a decade making feature films for Hollywood.
At Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County, Smith developed the organization’s annual giving campaigns, corporate sponsorship program, grant writing efforts, donor stewardship systems, and fundraising events.
“I am honored to step into this role and continue working alongside our staff, board, volunteers, and community partners,” Smith said. “Habitat SLO is uniquely positioned to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope, and I am committed to advancing that mission with care and collaboration.”
Smith serves on the board of the Central Coast Zoo Foundation and lives in Atascadero with her husband, Aaron.
Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County has built, repaired, and rehabilitated homes throughout San Luis Obispo County since 1997. The organization began building homes in 2003 and has completed 26 homes from Cambria to Grover Beach. It works to provide affordable housing by building and improving homes throughout the county.
More information about the organization is available at habitatslo.org.
