Executive Biographies
James D. Dawson
Vice President of Strategic Business Development
Dawson has more than 25 years of executive level management responsibility as a member of corporate management teams. He has extensive experience in senior living, hospitality, convention and destination attractions, entertainment and residential and retail industries. Throughout his career he has specialized in strategic planning, brand management, business development, consumer marketing and corporate communications. He has served in a number of leadership positions, including his most recent role as Vice President, Senior Living Group for John Knox Village in Lee’s Summit, Mo. In his eleven years with John Knox Village, he has provided leadership of a $68 million development project that will add 171 housing units to the campus. He also facilitated the formation and organizational restructure of the newly formed management team for the $22 million senior living business unit. He focused on integrated management practices designed to increase revenue and client satisfaction.
Prior to his service with John Knox Village, Dawson has held the positions of Vice President of Marketing for the Crown Center Redevelopment Corporation from 1981-1996 and as Senior Vice President for the Young and Rubicam/Brewer Advertising Agency from 1976-1981.
Dawson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Michigan State University and an MBA with distinction from Rockhurst University.
Dawson is an active civic leader in the Kansas City community. He is currently the Chair of the Rockhurst University Regents and a former Board Chair of the Starlight Theatre Association. Some of his previous civic leadership positions include service as the Chairman of the Greater Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association, Vice President of the City of Fountains Foundation, a Board member of the Kansas City Sports Commission, Co-Chair of the Kansas City Organizing Committee for NCAA events, including the men’s and women’s Final Fours in Kansas City.
Executive Biographies
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