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Stephanie Dawson

COL Stephanie Dawson served as the Deputy Commander of the 53^rd Troop (General Officer) Command, one of two major commands within the New York Army National Guard prior to her retirement in July 2012. Previously COL Dawson served as the Commander of the 369th Sustainment Brigade, often called the most challenging major command in the state, a position that she held from October 2008 to April 2011. COL Dawson was the first female to serve as a brigade commander in the New York Army National Guard. As Brigade Commander, she provided command and control of assigned battalions, including the 369th Special Troops Battalion, 101 Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 56th Personnel Services Battalion and 104th Military Police Battalion. Previously she was the commander of the 27th Rear Area Operations Center during its deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom from 2003 to 2004.

COL Dawson completed the U.S. Army War College in July 2007. Other military schools attended include Command and Staff College, Combined Arms and Services School, Support Operations Course, Senior Transportation Officer Advanced Qualification Course, and Ordnance Advanced Officer Course. COL Dawson has received a number of military awards including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, among others. COL Dawson’s education includes a Masters in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Marist College, and a Bachelors of Arts in Economics from Cornell University.

As a civilian, COL Dawson is currently the Acting Chief Operating Officer at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. COL Dawson recently completed service on the NYC Veteran’s Advisory Board, is the National President of the National Association of Black Military Women, and is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 369^th Historical Society, and 369th Veterans Association.