Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County names Dawn Smith as new CEO
By Staff Report · Mon Jul 20 2026
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County (Habitat SLO) has appointed longtime nonprofit leader Dawn Smith as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Smith, who has served as the organization’s Director of Development for more than three years, succeeds Anthony Overton, who has taken on a new role overseeing dual enrollment initiatives at Cuesta College.
During her time as Director of Development, Smith drove significant fundraising growth, strengthened donor and corporate partnerships, expanded grant funding, and increased visibility for Habitat SLO’s Home Preservation and New Home Construction programs across the county.
In her new role, Smith will lead the organization’s strategic direction, overseeing New Construction, Home Preservation, and ReStore operations while deepening community partnerships to support families, seniors, veterans, and others seeking safe and stable housing.
Board Chair, Jessica Steely says, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am delighted to welcome Dawn as our new CEO. Her vision, professionalism, and dedication to Habitat SLO have already strengthened our organization in meaningful ways. Dawn leads with both heart and purpose, bringing people together around a shared commitment to serving our community. We are confident that her leadership will guide Habitat SLO into an exciting new chapter of growth and impact.”
Smith brings over two decades of nonprofit and executive leadership experience. Prior to Habitat SLO, she served as Director of Development for the San Luis Coastal Education Foundation and as Communication Director at the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles in Colorado, including Executive Director of the Golden and Conifer Chambers of Commerce, and Development Manager for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She began her professional journey as a high school teacher and spent nearly a decade working in Hollywood feature film production.
“I am honored to step into this role and continue working alongside our staff, board, volunteers, and community partners,” Smith said. “Habitat SLO is uniquely positioned to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope, and I am committed to advancing that mission with care and collaboration.”
Smith currently serves on the board of the Central Coast Zoo Foundation. She lives in Atascadero with her husband Aaron and their Toy Australian Shepherd, Tenby.