Dawn Gibbons, First Lady
Like many people who have moved to Nevada, Dawn arrived
with not much – a suitcase and $500 – but like so many
others, she had brains, determination and dreams.
She helped pay her way through the University of Nevada,
Reno, by working as a night janitor. Grit, intelligence,
and an optimistic attitude helped Dawn to become a
successful businessperson.
At the same time, she wanted to give back to the
community. Soon she was involved in numerous charities.
In 1988-89, the Reno Business and Professional Women’s
Club named her Woman of the Year.
She was blessed to meet the man of her dreams, Jim
Gibbons, on a blind date arranged by mutual, good
friends. Quickly they found they had much in common
including a desire for public service. While Jim served
the State in the Assembly, Dawn served as a trustee for
the Washoe County Airport Authority.
In 1991, Assemblyman Jim Gibbons resigned his seat in
the Assembly to serve his country during Desert
Shield/Desert Storm. The Washoe County Commission
appointed Dawn to replace him during this military
service. Dawn worked on legislation to protect women,
children, and other victims; improve the justice system;
enhance the ecosystem of Lake Tahoe; and deter drug and
alcohol abuse. At the same time, she made certain
everyone in the Legislature wore a gold pin with yellow
ribbons as a daily reminder of the soldiers defending
our freedom in a land faraway from the comforts of
Nevada’s state capitol.
When Jim returned in April, she gladly returned the seat
to her husband and refocused her work efforts to her
businesses.
In addition, Dawn concentrated on raising their son,
helping Jim in his political career and working on
various projects that helped Nevadans. Following Jim's
election to Congress, Dawn decided that the best way to
help was to go back to the Legislature. She successfully
ran for office and served three regular sessions and two
special ones passing important legislation such as
establishing Nevada’s Organ and Tissue Task Force at the
University of Nevada Medical School.
As First Lady of Nevada Dawn wants to make certain
everyone in Nevada has the same opportunity to achieve
his or her own aspirations. Dawn is active in the state
reaching out to those in need so all who seek a better
life will be able to realize their dreams.
Source:
http://firstlady.state.nv.us/Bio_DawnGibbons.htm
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