The Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida announced April 8 that its CEO, Dawn Lockhart, will retire June 30, 2026, concluding a career of more than 40 years in the social sector.
A news release said Lockhart led the Nonprofit Center through a period of significant transformation, helping evolve the organization from a traditional capacity-building model to one focused on advancing long-term mission sustainability and data-driven collaboration across the region. Under her leadership since January 2024, the NPC strengthened its role as a trusted partner to nonprofits, funders and community leaders working collectively to improve outcomes across Northeast Florida, the release said.
“Concluding my career at the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Lockhart said in the release. “I am proud to have had the privilege to represent the thousands of dedicated nonprofit organizations and professionals who work every day to make our community better.”
Highlights of Lockhart’s tenure include launching Catalyst, a regional dashboard that is an incubator for nonprofit initiatives, aiming to increase strategic partnerships to advance community impact.
Lockhart will remain engaged with the organization as an executive in residence from July 1 through Dec. 31, 2026.
The NPC board of directors appointed Callan Brown, senior vice president of development, partnerships and operations, as Interim CEO effective July 1, 2026.
The center said Brown brings nearly a decade of leadership experience within the organization, along with relationships across the nonprofit sector and an understanding of the NPC’s strategic direction and member needs.
“Callan is a trusted and capable leader who has played an integral role in shaping the Nonprofit Center’s growth and impact,” Sam Inman, board chair, said in the release. “Her leadership will provide stability and continuity of growth as we build on the strong foundation Dawn has helped establish.”