2026 Shortlisted nominee
Chief Executive of the Year Award
Dawn is a remarkable public service leader whose journey from a Hackney childhood to Chief Executive of Hackney Council is rooted in a lifelong commitment to her community. With 25 years’ experience spanning child protection, legal services and senior leadership, Dawn’s approach is shaped by empathy, resilience and a determination to protect and empower others. Appointed permanently in 2024 following a unanimous cross-party decision, she now leads almost 5,000 staff serving one of London’s most diverse communities. Dawn has championed Hackney’s commitment to being actively anti-racist, strengthened succession planning and mentoring, and co-produced inclusive tools with staff networks. As a proud Borough of Sanctuary, she continues to champion belonging and challenge racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia. Her leadership has helped Hackney become an inclusive, ambitious council recognised by the Local Government Association, while inspiring the next generation to see their background as a strength.
