Like many people who have moved to Nevada, Dawn arrived with not much – a suitcase and $500 – but like so many others, she had brains, determination and dreams.

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

At the same time, she wanted to give back to the community.  Soon she was involved in numerous charities.  In 1988-89, the Reno Business and Professional Women’s Club named her Woman of the Year.

She was blessed to meet the man of her dreams, Jim Gibbons, on a blind date arranged by mutual, good friends.  Quickly they found they had much in common including a desire for public service.  While Jim served the State in the Assembly, Dawn served as a trustee for the Washoe County Airport Authority.

In 1991, Assemblyman Jim Gibbons resigned his seat in the Assembly to serve his country during Desert Shield/Desert Storm.  The Washoe County Commission appointed Dawn to replace him during this military service.  Dawn 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.  At the same time, she made certain everyone in the Legislature wore a gold pin with yellow ribbons as a daily reminder of the soldiers defending our freedom in a land faraway from the comforts of Nevada’s state capitol.  

When Jim returned in April, she gladly returned the seat to her husband and refocused her work efforts to her businesses.

In addition, Dawn concentrated on raising their son, helping Jim in his political career and working on various projects that helped Nevadans.  Following Jim's election to Congress, Dawn decided that the best way to help was to go back to the Legislature.  She successfully ran for office and served three regular sessions and two special ones passing important legislation such as establishing Nevada’s Organ and Tissue Task Force at the University of Nevada Medical School.

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:  1954;  Atlanta, Georgia.
Educated:  University of Nevada, Reno, B.G.S.
Married:  Jim.
Children:  Chris, Jennifer, Jimmy;
Three grandchildren- Grant, Brooke, and Riley.
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; 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; Co-Chair, Youth Challenge-National Guard Youth Foundation: Chairwoman Methamphetamine Action Plan (M.A.P.); Nevada Chairwoman, “I Keep Safe”.  

Affiliations Past and Present:  Bernice Mathews Elementary School Foundation Member; American Association of University Women; National Osteoporosis Advisory Board; Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce; Habitat for Humanity Advisory Board; Republican Women’s Federal Forum; Congressional Spouses; Republican Women National Federation; Soroptimist International; Healthy Women 2000; Trustee, Desert Research Foundation; Co-Chair, Organ and Tissue Donation Task Force, University of Nevada Medical School:  Maternal Child and Health Advisory Board; Council on State Government Committee on Aging; Federal Budget and Taxation Committee.

                     Click here to visit First Lady Dawn Gibbon's web site