Dawn is Executive Director of Friends of the Kaw.  In addition to managing the daily activities of FOK, she monitors, responds and mediates suspected pollution incidents to the Kansas River; facilitates educational paddle trips; and manages their advocacy efforts to protect and preserve the Kansas River.

Growing up on a farm on the plains of Kansas, Dawn knew at young age how much she loved the land, water and nature.  Dawn was born and raised in the Kaw River Valley in DeSoto on a 2,000 acre crop farm. She spent her childhood riding alongside her father learning about the importance of taking care of the soil, water, and providing for the family. She also spent many hours on the beautiful Kansas River fishing, camping, canoeing and riding in her Dad’s airboat.  Her love for the river began at this early age when she would sit and watch the sunset on the river at the end of each farm day.

Dawn earned both a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife Conservation from Oregon State University; and a Bachelor in Business Administration from Baker University.  She has spent her career working as a conservationist, accountant and farmer, and her passion is watershed management and finding ways we can all work together to improve our watershed and the quality of the Kansas River.

Dawn is happiest when she is outdoors.  You can often find her fishing, hiking, kayaking, reading and exploring. She lives with her family, including two chocolate labrador retrievers, on their farm south of Eudora.

Dawn is the Chair of the Kansas Water Authority and the Governor’s Appointee for the Oil & Gas Advisory Committee.  She is also active on the Board of Directors for the Kansas Land Trust and the Board of Directors for Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams.