Dawn Handwerker possesses a skillset that blends corporate, entrepreneurial, and nonprofit experience. Her thoughtful and comprehensive approach to leadership and counsel, based on the diversity of her expertise, offers clients creative pathways of advancement.

After twelve years in corporate marketing and project management, she chose a new path. Starting and running a successful retail business for the next fifteen years afforded her the opportunity to become involved in the nonprofit arena, sparking 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 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 the last few years, Dawn’s counsel has helped RA’s clients succeed raising almost $100 million in major capital campaigns. Currently, she is leading multiple significant projects whose goals total nearly $150 million. She has provided strategic and effective counsel to ensure our clients achieve their full potential, while simultaneously utilizing RA’s unique mentorship approach positioning these advancement teams to successfully sustain their ongoing philanthropic programs. Additionally, her expertise includes development program assessments, development program counsel, executive search, and marketing.

Since 2020, when Dawn joined the firm as a Senior Associate, she has been an integral part of the Ruotolo Associates team serving clients in both the RA Nonprofit and Church Divisions and has contributed to the industry as a noted speaker and panelist. Dawn presently resides in Boynton Beach, Florida where she leads our Southeast Regional Office and has been a driving factor in the firm’s growth in that area.

Dawn earned her Bachelor of Science in Education & Social Policy from Northwestern University and currently serves on their Alumni Admission Council. She is presently a 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.