Dawn Handwerker

Dawn Handwerker possesses a skillset that blends corporate, entrepreneurial, and nonprofit experience. Her thoughtful and comprehensive approach to leadership comes from the diversity of her expertise.

After twelve years in corporate sales, marketing, and project management, she chose a new path, creating and running a successful retail business for the next fifteen years. This venture also provided the opportunity to become involved in the nonprofit arena, igniting her passion for fundraising.

In 2015, Dawn turned that passion into her career serving as the Assistant Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations at St. Joseph High School in Trumbull, Connecticut. Her advancement career continued at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, Connecticut as the Special Events Manager during their $60 million capital campaign. Through these combined positions she honed her abilities in donor relations and volunteer management and gained vital experience in annual funds, board stewardship, and major gift solicitation.

In 2020, Dawn joined Ruotolo Associates as a senior fundraising consultant.  She quickly became part of the executive team leading the Church Division and then becoming RA’s Vice President. Dawn established the Southeast Regional Office in 2021 and built RA’s business in Florida, which became an important growth sector for the firm. She provided strategic fundraising counsel to clients in both RA Nonprofit and the Church Division nationally, raising almost $200 million during major capital campaigns. Additionally, Dawn executed development program assessments, development program counsel, executive searches, and led RA’s corporate marketing program. She has also contributed to the industry as a noted speaker and panelist.

Dawn earned her Bachelor of Science in Education & Social Policy from Northwestern University and currently serves on their Alumni Admission Council. She is presently an Executive Board Member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in Palm Beach County, Florida, former Vice President of the Board of Directors for Reading to be Ready, Palm Beach, Florida, and former Advisory Board Member of St. Rose of Lima School in Newtown, Connecticut where she chaired their marketing and fundraising committee. Dawn lives in Boynton Beach, Florida and has two grown sons.