First Lady Dawn Gibbons helped pay her way through the University of Nevada, Reno, by working as a night janitor. Grit, intelligence, and an optimistic attitude helped Dawn become a successful businessperson.

At the same time, she wanted to give back to the community. Soon she was involved in numerous charities. The Reno Business and Professional Women’s Club named Dawn Business Woman of the Year. She served as Trustee and a Board Director for the Washoe County Airport Authority, The Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, and the Desert Research Institute.

Dawn served 3 terms in the Nevada legislature as a state Assemblywoman where she worked on legislation to protect women, children, and other victims; improve the justice system; enhance the ecosystem of Lake Tahoe; and deter drug and alcohol abuse. She also started Nevada’s Organ Donor Task Force at the University of Nevada School of Medicine.

Dawn has been passionate about fighting drug abuse. She was instrumental in propelling the Crystal Darkness Campaign – a program to fight Methamphetamine – directing it not only nationwide but bringing this important campaign that began right here in Nevada and taking it worldwide.

As First Lady of Nevada Dawn wants to make certain everyone in Nevada has the same opportunity to achieve his or her own aspirations. Dawn is active in the state reaching out to those in need so all who seek a better life will be able to realize their dreams.

The Stats: 

Born: Atlanta, Georgia.
Educated: University of Nevada, Reno, B.A..G..S.
Married: Jim.
Children: Chris, Jennifer, Jimmy;
Four grandchildren: Grant, Brooke, Riley and Rees.
Hobbies/Special Interests: Reading, skiing, writing.
Legislative Service: Nevada Assembly, 1991 (appointed to fill vacancy), 1999-2003—two special and four regular sessions.

Personal and Professional Achievements: 1988-1989 Reno Business and Professional Woman of the Year Award; Sierra Bank Founding Board Member, 1992; Washoe County Airport Authority Board Trustee, 1993-1997; Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority Board Trustee, 1995-1996; Desert Research Foundation Board Trustee; Chairwoman, Children’s Cabinet; Committee to Aid Abused Women Board Member; American Red Cross Board Member; Founding Member of Northern Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence; Toastmasters; French Ambassador, Nevada Opera Association, 1991; March of Dimes Member; Who’s Who in Business; Who’s Who of Women; Assemblywoman of the Year, 2001, Peace Officers’ Association of Nevada; 2002 Nevada Women’s Role Model Award by Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa; 2002 Honoree, Nevada Diabetes Association; 2001 Honoree, Nevada Organ and Tissue Network; 1999 American Lung Association Honoree; Co-authored the constitutional enactment of the Gibbons Tax Restraint and Education First Initiatives; National Co-Chair, Youth Challenge-National Guard Youth Foundation:; Nevada Chairwoman, “I Keep Safe”; Spearheaded National/International campaign against Methamphetamine use called Crystal Darkness.; Honorary Chair Nevada Volunteers; Americorp honorary member; Gold Star of Honor Recipient from The Achievement Academy in Las Vegas in October 2008; Founder and Co-Chair of Nevada’s Organ and Tissue Donation Task Force at the University of Nevada Medical School; F.A.S. T. Finding Autistic Solutions For Tomorrow Honoree October 2008; Humanitarian of the Year Award - Hispanic and Lupus Foundation June 2009; Nevada Women’s Lobby Hall of Fame legislative honoree November 2009; National Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free – Board Member.

Affiliations Past and Present: Bernice Mathews Elementary School Foundation Member; American Association of University Women; National Osteoporosis Advisory Board; Habitat for Humanity Advisory Board; Republican Women’s Federal Forum; Congressional Spouses; Republican Women National Federation; Healthy Women 2000: Maternal Child and Health Advisory Board; Council on State Government Committee on Aging; Federal Budget and Taxation Committee.