Habitat for Humanity SLO announces Dawn Smith is new CEO. Photo submitted
San Luis Obispo County’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity (Habitat/SLO) has elevated Dawn Smith, formerly director of development, to chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Smith, who has served the organization for more than three years, succeeds Anthony Overton, who has moved on to Cuesta College in a new role overseeing dual enrollment initiatives. Overton served as Habitat/SLO CEO for about 15 months.
“I am honored to step into this role and continue working alongside our staff, board, volunteers, and community partners,” Smith said. “Habitat/SLO is uniquely positioned to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. I am committed to advancing that mission with care and collaboration.”
During Smith’s time as director of development, she drove significant fundraising growth, strengthened donor and corporate partnerships, expanded grant funding, as well as increased visibility for Home Preservation and New Home Construction programs county-wide, according to a press release. As CEO, Smith will lead Habitat/SLO’s strategic direction, overseeing New Construction, Home Preservation, and ReStore operations while deepening community partnerships to support families, seniors, veterans, and others seeking safe and stable housing.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am delighted to welcome Dawn as our new CEO,” said Board Chair, Jessica Steely. “Her vision, professionalism, and dedication to Habitat/SLO have already strengthened our organization in meaningful ways. Dawn leads with both heart and purpose, bringing people together around a shared commitment to serving our community. We are confident that her leadership will guide Habitat/SLO into an exciting new chapter of growth and impact.”
Smith brings more than two decades of nonprofit and executive leadership experience to the new position. Prior to Habitat/SLO, she served as director of development for the San Luis Coastal Education Foundation and as communication director at the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles in Colorado, including executive director of the Golden and Conifer chambers of commerce, and development manager for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She began her professional career as a high school teacher. Smith also spent nearly a decade working in Hollywood feature film production.
Habitat/SLO runs three core program areas: Home ownership and New Construction, Home Preservation, and Neighborhood Revitalization all supported by its ReStore retail operations. These programs collectively aim to expand affordable housing, preserve existing homes, and strengthen neighborhoods across SLO County.
Habitat/SLO has been working in the county since the 1990s. Since 2003, the affiliate has built 26 new affordable homes across the county. Homes are sold at no profit through affordable mortgages. Partner families contribute sweatequity hours and receive financial literacy and homeowner training. This program directly addresses the severe shortage of affordable home-ownership opportunities in one of the nation’s leastaffordable small metro areas, according to the website. Habitat/SLO past projects were located in Atascadero, Cambria, Grover Beach, Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo, One local construction project served Hurricane Katrina survivors.
Volunteers can serve Habitat/SLO in myriad capacities from ReStore sales reps to construction tasks or simply donating building supplies or gently used housing fixtures. Check out their website at habitatslo.org.
