Dawn Rich is a life-long resident of the Hudson Valley, having grown up in nearby Highland, New York. After graduating from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and Newhouse School of Communications, she worked for more than a decade as a magazine journalist in New York City, on staff as a writer and editor for such publications as Golf Illustrated, Health Magazine, Self Magazine, and Shape Magazine. After moving back to the local area, Dawn stepped into her most cherished role as full-time mom to her two daughters, Mandy and Jenny. In addition to her work and child-rearing, Dawn has always been an active member of her community here in New Paltz. She was one of the principal organizers of the Hasbrouck Park Playground Project, fundraising, writing press releases, and assisting in its construction. Dawn also spearheaded the Duzine Playground renovation and expansion, overseeing fundraising, design, and construction. She was a volunteer for many years with the New Paltz PTA, serving as president of the Middle School PTA. In addition, Dawn served as the chairperson of the High School Scholarship Committee for eight years, planning and coordinating fundraising, including its annual live auction. An enthusiastic fan of the arts, Dawn organized roughly a dozen bus trips to New York City so local students and residents could enjoy Broadway musicals and plays. Dawn joined the New Paltz Central School District Foundation for Student Enhancement, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, shortly after its inception, and served on its board for five years. During that time, she was involved in conceiving, planning and executing many fundraising activities. Dawn and her husband Bob joined the New Paltz Rotary Club five years ago. One of her main focuses this year, as she takes the helm as President, will be on increasing opportunities for service projects both locally and internationally. When not working on Rotary matters, Dawn is the office manager at Bob’s law firm in New Paltz.