Col. Stephanie E. Dawson, USA (Ret), entered the New York National Guard in 1980 following her graduation from Cornell University with a bachelor’s degree in economics. She subsequently earned a master’s degree in public administration from Marist College and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the Army War College.

She held several key leadership positions in the New York National Guard, including Deputy Commander and Commander of the 369th Sustainment Brigade and Deputy Commander, 53rd Troop Command. She served on active duty with the Combined Forces Land Component Command in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In her civilian career, she held a variety of positions with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, including in the Chief Operation Office.