About the Executive Director

Dawn Tolson
Executive Director

Dawn Tolson has worked in the events space for over 20 years. She joined the Mayor's Office in 2014, as the Director of Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO). As Director Ms. Tolson oversaw the permitting of high-profile events including, Thanksgiving Day Parade, New Year's Eve, NBA All-Star, Papal Visit, Formula E, Summer Streets, Fashion Week and Apple Launch.  She also modernized SAPO procedures and updated permitting rules and administrative protocols.

In 2019 Ms. Tolson began working at Gracie Mansion were as Executive Director she partnered with the Gracie Mansion Conservancy (GMC), Historic House Trust (HHT) and the Parks Department to maintain the historical aspects of Gracie, including supervising the installation of art exhibits, and ensuring that Gracie Mansion remains "The People's House" and a private home to Mayor of New York City.

Prior to joining the Mayor's office, Ms. Tolson spent eight years with American Council On renewable Energy (ACORE) as the Senior Vice President of Events and Information Technology, where she coordinated the planning, marketing and logistics for all ACORE conferences, teleconferences, special events and programs. She was also responsible for managing the design and marketing of all ACORE websites.

Before joining ACORE, Ms. Tolson worked as the Program Director of Reaching Out to Others Together (ROOT) a Washington, DC based nonprofit. Ms. Tolson previously spent over seven years working as a Marketing Director and Coordinator in the entertainment industry. She created and managed tours for independent and signed artists, working with labels including Disney Music, Universal Music Group, and Sony Music Group.

Dawn Tolson attended Howard University in Washington DC. An epicure, she enjoys music, travel, snowboarding, and currently resides in Harlem.