Dawn Dougherty
About Dawn Dougherty
Dawn Dougherty serves as the System Director of Philanthropy Education and Professional Development at CommonSpirit Health, where she develops a curriculum for over 300 philanthropy professionals. With extensive experience in nonprofit management and fundraising, she has held various roles at organizations such as the American Red Cross and Blackbaud.
Work at CommonSpirit Health
Dawn Dougherty serves as the System Director of Philanthropy Education and Professional Development at CommonSpirit Health. She has held this position since 2019, contributing to the organization from its San Francisco location. In her role, she is responsible for creating and delivering a comprehensive curriculum tailored for over 300 philanthropy professionals across the country. This initiative aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of staff involved in philanthropic efforts within the healthcare sector.
Previous Experience in Philanthropy
Before her tenure at CommonSpirit Health, Dawn Dougherty worked at the American Red Cross as a Development Associate for Special Projects from 1994 to 2000. In this role, she managed operations and oversaw the flow and fulfillment of over one million gifts annually at the National Headquarters. Her experience also includes a significant period at Blackbaud, where she served as a Senior Consultant and later as a Regional Solutions Manager, focusing on fundraising systems for various nonprofits.
Education and Professional Development
Dawn Dougherty studied at the University of Southern California, where she earned a degree in Public Administration from 1990 to 1994. She completed a fellowship with the Riordan Volunteer Leadership Development Program, which is designed to prepare young professionals for effective service as nonprofit board members. This educational background supports her extensive career in philanthropy and nonprofit management.
Career in Nonprofit Consulting
Dawn Dougherty has over a decade of experience in nonprofit consulting, particularly with Blackbaud. During her time there, she worked as a senior fundraising systems consultant, collaborating with a diverse range of organizations, including arts institutions, educational entities, and healthcare systems. Her expertise in project management and training further extends to her role as an Independent Consultant, where she provided implementation consulting and project management services.
Travel and Personal Interests
Dawn Dougherty has traveled to all seven continents, reflecting her passion for international travel. This interest may contribute to her understanding of global philanthropic practices and diverse cultural perspectives, which can be beneficial in her professional role within the nonprofit sector.