“I believe Dawn brings a wealth of experience, leadership and a robust professional network to this role,” said Mayor Curry. “I am looking forward to building and strengthening the City of Jacksonville’s partnerships with our local nonprofit and philanthropic sectors.”
 
Lockhart has served Family Foundations, a nationally accredited and HUD-certified counseling agency, for more than 30 years in various roles, most recently as president and CEO. Other positions with Family Foundations include chief operating officer, program and marketing director, and certified consumer credit counselor. Her professional affiliations include the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Board of Directors, City of Jacksonville’s Economic Development Committee, JAX Chamber Board of Governors, National Foundation for Credit Counseling Board of Trustees, United Way, and the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida.
 
Upon his election, Mayor Curry established a special transition subcommittee on City/Not-for-profit interface tasked with looking at ways the City of Jacksonville and the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors could work together more efficiently and strategically. A part of the subcommittee’s recommendation was to add a new, innovative senior staff position to oversee this effort by facilitating partnerships and creating stronger collaborative opportunities.
 
Lockhart, who begins June 13, will make an annual salary of $130,000. This position is fully funded by the philanthropic community.