Dawn Gibbons, the esteemed former First Lady of Nevada, holds a unique distinction as the only one to have also served as a state legislator. Throughout her illustrious career, she has passionately advocated for numerous critical causes, including autism awareness, domestic violence prevention, human trafficking, child advocacy, mental health, substance abuse, and support for the military. Her most notable achievement was spearheading the highly successful anti-meth campaign, Crystal Darkness, which gained widespread attention at the statewide, national, and international levels.
During her tenure as a state legislator, Dawn played a pivotal role in establishing the Organ Donor and Tissue Task Force in partnership with Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa, a significant initiative at the UNR Medical School. Her unwavering dedication to public service earned her the esteemed title of Assemblywoman of the Year by the Nevada Police Protective Association and a well-deserved place in the Nevada Women’s Lobby Hall of Fame. She also made an impact on the Nevada Constitution through two initiative petitions that garnered overwhelming voter approval.
Starting with humble beginnings in Reno with just a few hundred dollars, Dawn’s tenacious work ethic and lofty aspirations led her to graduate from the University of Nevada and become a successful businesswoman in downtown Reno. Furthermore, she expanded her knowledge through studies in Due Process and the Role of Administrative Law Judge at the National Judicial College. Dawn’s versatility extended to media, where she hosted a radio talk show, “The Inside Scoop,” on Fox News 1270 and a political news segment, “Dawn & Jim,” on NBC in Nevada alongside Jim Rogers. She held esteemed positions in communications and government relations with KSNV NEWS 3, KRNV NEWS 4, and KENV NEWS 10, as well as the Vice President of Development for the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. Currently, she serves as the Commissioner & Chair of Nevada Transportation Authority.
Dawn Gibbons has been rightfully recognized for her exceptional contributions, receiving numerous accolades and awards, such as Business and Professional Woman of the Year, Who’s Who in Business, Who’s Who in Politics, Who’s Who of Women, and Attorney General’s Role Model of the Year, among many others.
Additionally, she has been a prominent figure on various influential boards, including the Desert Research Institute, Reno/Tahoe Airport Authority, Reno Sparks Convention and Visitor’s Authority, American Red Cross, Children’s Cabinet, American Heart Association, and more.
Among all her impressive accomplishments, Dawn’s most cherished one is being the proud mother of Jimmy Gibbons, a Naval Aviator. Her passion for making a positive impact on her community and beyond is truly commendable and reflects the spirit of a dedicated public servant.
