Dawn Wallace

Vice President, Civic Leadership

Dawn Wallace oversees the nonpartisan Arizona Center for Civic Leadership at the Flinn Foundation which enhances civic life in Arizona through civic education, engagement, and leadership development programs.  The Center’s programs include youth civic leadership programming, educational workshops on Arizona policy and political topics, partnerships with state organizations focused on strengthening and promoting civic participation, and the prestigious Flinn-Brown Fellowship, an immersive learning experience for experienced community leaders interested in enhancing their role in civic life.  

A public-policy expert who has advised governors and elected members of the Arizona Legislature for two decades, Dawn joined the Foundation in March 2020.  Dawn previously served in the office of Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and led the development of the governor’s P-20 education agenda. She also served as a liaison to executive departments and planned and managed large public events, including Ducey’s second inauguration ceremonies and the memorial service for U.S. Sen. John McCain. Her previous experience includes serving as director of government relations for the Maricopa County Community College District and policy-advisor roles in the Arizona House of Representatives and State Senate. Earlier in her career, she was a budget analyst for Govs. Jane Dee Hull and Janet Napolitano.  

As part of the 2012 Centennial Celebration, Dawn collaborated with the Flinn Foundation to produce the “Kids at the Capitol” DVD that included civics education modules for Arizona middle school students. 

Dawn holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Arizona State University and an Arizona teaching certificate to teach social sciences in grades 6-12. She is the chair of the Arizona Commission on the Arts, a board member of the nonprofit literacy organization, Read Better Be Better, and serves on the advocacy committee of Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus Pine Council.