Dawn Rodney

As Co-creator and incoming Chief Executive Officer of Garden For Wildlife, Inc., Dawn Rodney is responsible for driving growth of this start-up social enterprise to ensure both financial returns and conservation impact. Dawn leads Garden For Wildlife, Inc.’s vision, culture, and growth strategies, as well as investor and board relations. In close partnership with Garden For Wildlife, Inc.’s Co-creator and Chief Sustainability Officer, Dawn also helps protect and promote the conservation integrity of the business, its products and operations, as well as DEI commitment. Garden For Wildlife, Inc. is a for-profit subsidiary of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and grew out of the innovation work Dawn led at the nonprofit organization as Chief Innovation and Growth Officer.

In her role as Chief Innovation and Growth Officer for NWF, Dawn led and developed innovative market-based solutions driving both impact and revenue fueling the conservation work of the organization. She was responsible for creating new revenue streams, transforming current businesses as well as amplifying brand awareness, engagement, and action through marketing, communication, and multiplatform storytelling. Her portfolio of businesses include Commerce, Licensing, Corporate Partnerships, and Publishing of the award-winning Ranger Rick magazines and National Wildlife Magazine. Dawn began her tenure as Vice President of Innovation and Chief Marketing Officer.

Prior to joining the National Wildlife Federation, Dawn was Senior Vice President of Marketing and Brand for the National Geographic Society. Dawn was responsible for leading the global brand, engaging digital natives across the world on all platforms, launching new digital products, and driving awareness of National Geographic’s science, education, and storytelling priorities.

While at National Geographic, Dawn also led strategic marketing and creative for the National Geographic Channels. She was integral to building and launching NGC, Nat Geo WILD, and Nat Geo Mundo – transforming them from start-up networks to global, world premiere brands. Dawn also had various supervising producing positions at Animal Planet and Discovery Health. She started her career as a producer at local television stations.

Dawn is on the board and development committee chair of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and is a founding member of the D.C. chapter of Chief. Dawn has won many industry awards for her work including a national Emmy and international Webby Award.

In her free time, Dawn spends as much time as possible enjoying nature with her husband, children, grandchildren and her rescue pet, Winnie.