Dawn Mathis
Senior Specialist, People Experience
Dawn Mathis stepped into the role of Senior Specialist, People Experience at StriveTogether in early 2026, where she supports the HR operations and staff experience that strengthen the organization’s culture and day-to-day infrastructure. Drawing on years of experience supporting StriveTogether’s financial operations, she brings a deep understanding of the organization’s systems, values and people to this new chapter in her work. Her responsibilities include owning the payroll process, managing benefits administration and maintaining accurate employee records in partnership with the organization’s Professional Employer Organization. Dawn also serves as the primary point of contact for staff inquiries related to payroll, benefits and leave, bringing responsiveness and care to every interaction, and leads the employee onboarding experience to ensure new staff feel welcomed, connected and set up for success from day one.
Prior to joining StriveTogether in 2019, Dawn held leadership roles in both nonprofit and private sector settings, including serving as controller for a multi-entity organization where she oversaw financial operations across three companies. In that role, she managed payroll, financial reporting, operational oversight and HR systems while leading a small team and ensuring regulatory compliance. At Shelterhouse Volunteer Group, she was responsible for full-cycle accounting and grant billing across two service locations and supported direct service delivery for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Dawn holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in finance and human resources, from American Intercontinental University and an associate degree in general studies from the Community College of Southern Nevada. She continues to pursue professional growth through self-directed learning, including leadership development, online coursework and independent study. Dawn lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her two sons and two dogs.