AMERICUS — Brittany E. Dawson has recently been named chief professional officer (CPO) for the Boys & Girls Club of Americus-Sumter County Inc.
A native of Texas and the daughter of an Army veteran, Brittany Dawson had the fortune of traveling to different countries and states at an early age. It was then she became culturally aware and honed the ability to communicate with individuals of different backgrounds. She began her career in philanthropy, working as a front desk associate for a local nonprofit, as she matriculated through Albany State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in management in three years, and was inducted into Delta Mu Delta, an international business administration honors society.
While working, Dawson was quickly promoted to executive assistant with the Dougherty County Even Start and was responsible as a fiscal agent for assisting in managing a budget of $500,000, leading staff, and fundraising. Furthering her education, she attended the University of Florida to pursue her graduate degree. She enrolled in the Thomas S. Johnson Entrepreneurship program, the number one graduate entrepreneurship program while also serving as a Poe Ethics Fellow. She studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland, and graduated cum laude with her master’s degree in entrepreneurship in one year.
Afterward, Dawson moved back home to be closer to her family, and continued her philanthropic efforts for the youth throughout the community. She began working as a career transition specialist at Turner Job Corps Center and exceeded her goal of assisting students of diverse backgrounds in securing employment related to their training, interests, and aptitudes.  She also taught professional development and soft skills to students to ensure long-term career success goals for college preparation and gaining employment.
In 2013, Dawson became the executive director of (LEAP) Learning for Everyone and was responsible for guiding and leading the organization in marketing, community relations, operating, budgeting, and resource development. She created an online presence, published monthly newsletters, and solicited over $95,000 for the organization during her tenure. She was also the recipient of the 2016 Georgia Press Association CLCP Leader of Distinction.
As the new CPO of the Boys and Girls Club of Americus-Sumter County, Dawson brings her passion, wealth of knowledge, commitment and dedication.
“My goal is to give the club members of the Boys and Girls Club the same outstanding experience I had when I would go to the Club every summer,”she said.
Now that she is older, she said, she can recall the experience she had with the Club and the impact it had on her decisions and life choices. Her goal for the Boys & Girls Club of Americus- Sumter County is to ensure these children are in an environment where they are able to have fun, learn, and make positive life decisions as well.