Dawna Ellis

Dawna Ellis has a diverse work experience spanning several industries. Dawna currently serves as a School of Accountancy Advisory Board Member at Old Dominion University, a role they began in July 2022. Dawna is also a member of the E.V. Williams Center for Real Estate Distinguished Alumni Advisory Board at the university since April 2016.

Previously, Dawna held various roles at Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate, where they were the Chief Financial and Operating Officer from January 2020. Prior to that, they served as the Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Board of Directors since 1984.

Dawna is an active board member in several organizations, including RVA757 Connects, where they began their role in January 2021. Dawna is also a board member of the CIVIC Leadership Institute since September 2014. Additionally, they were a member of RVA-757 Connects starting from January 2017.

Dawna's work experience also includes serving as an instructor at the Virginia Martial Arts Center since 1994. Dawna holds a 5th degree black belt in Karate and a 1st degree black belt in Iaido. Dawna also serves as an advisory board member at the martial arts center.

Dawna has been involved with VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads since 2010, where they held various roles, including serving as a board member and the Human Resources Advisor. Dawna also held leadership positions within the organization, including Board Chair and Vice-Chair.

Dawna has also contributed to the community by serving as a Sunday School Teacher at Crossroads Church since 2002 and as the Volunteer and Events Financial Director at USA Karate (USA-NKF) from 2007 to 2017. Dawna was also a board member of ForKids Inc. from 2004 to 2011.

Dawna Ellis began their education journey in 1980 at Old Dominion University, where they obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting. After completing their undergraduate degree in 1986, Dawna pursued further education in the field of Commercial Real Estate Investment. From 1991 to 1993, they attended the Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute, earning a CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) certification. In 2003, Dawna participated in the Lead Hampton Roads program, completing the program in 2004. Additionally, in 2013 and 2014, they were a program graduate of the CIVIC Leadership Institute. Specific field of study information is not available for the latter two programs.