About TMC > Executive Biographies > James D. Dawson

James D. Dawson

Executive Director, TMC Charitable Foundation

Jim Dawson is Executive Director of the TMC Charitable Foundation, assuming this leadership position in December, 2008. In this role, Dawson leads fundraising programs designed to advance TMC's mission. The Charitable Foundation provides support for each of TMC's primary facilities through grants from charitable foundations, corporate and individual philanthropy and special events. In 2012, the Charitable Foundation made contributions to TMC in excess of $9 million.

Jim 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, 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 provided senior leadership for strategic planning, sales, marketing, corporate communications operations, construction, and land development.  He also facilitated the formation and organizational restructure of the management team for the $22 million senior living business unit. 

Prior to his service with John Knox Village, Dawson held the positions of vice president of marketing for the Crown Center Redevelopment Corporation from 1981-1996; senior vice president for the Young and Rubicam/Brewer Advertising Agency from 1976-1981; and JWT from 1971-1976.

Dawson holds a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and an master's in business administration from Rockhurst University.

Dawson is an active civic leader in the Kansas City community. He is currently a board member of the Vision Research Foundation. He is the past board chair of the Rockhurst University Regents and 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, an Executive Board member of the Greater 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 in 1988 and 1998.