The Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida board of directors unanimously selected Dawn Lockhart to be the organization’s new CEO.
“We were impressed with her extensive experience in leading, advocating for and serving the nonprofit sector for thirty years. She is a long-time resident of the First Coast and has a true passion for the community she serves,” Nonprofit Center board Chair Lisa Johnson said in a Dec. 11 email.
Formerly director of strategic partnerships for the city of Jacksonville and former CEO of Family Foundations of Northeast Florida, Lockhart officially becomes CEO on Jan. 2, but will begin working with the staff Dec. 18 to ensure a smooth transition, the email said.
Lockhart succeeds Rena Coughlin, the center’s CEO since 2006.
“As a longtime member and partner of the Nonprofit Center, I am proud to follow in the footsteps of such an amazing legacy of leadership and am excited to work alongside the board, staff and members to achieve our important vision and mission," Lockhart said in the email.
"Continuing to champion and advance the high performance of the nonprofit sector, through advocacy, innovation, strategic partnerships, and results, is the most important work ahead to ensure all communities, neighborhoods, families, and individuals can thrive."