The Organization Welcomes New Leadership Team Members at Time of Strategic Growth | City Year Jacksonville, the local chapter of the national nonprofit City Year, announced today the appointment of two new managing directors. Dawn Emerick Ed. D began her service as Managing Director of People, Operations and Strategy on October 13, 2025, and Quintin Griffin, Managing Director of Impact, began his new role on August 25, 2025. These strategic new hires come at a moment of expansion for the organization as they navigate a challenging landscape for nonprofits.
“Quintin and Dawn both bring exceptional expertise and experience to their new roles. Quintin’s internal experience with City Year and Dawn’s perspective as a respected leader in our community and being new to City Year will complement each other to take us to new heights,” said Allishia Bauman, Senior Vice President and Executive Director at City Year Jacksonville. “At a time when the need for student support and mentorship is more critical than ever, their unique insights and dedication to service will strengthen our ability to grow impact across Northeast Florida.”
City Year Jacksonville recognizes that strong leadership is critical for organizational success, particularly during times of uncertainty and change. These additions to the leadership team will empower the organization to continue smooth, steady, future-minded operations.
Dawn Emerick Ed. D, Managing Director of People, Operations and Strategy:
Emerick will be responsible for developing and implementing a long-term people and culture plan, leading the execution of the strategic planning process and evolving the operations work. Additionally, she will oversee our Community Partnerships work to ensure we have a fully recruited corps through strongly developed partnerships. She is the former CEO of the Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida, Groundwork Jacksonville and the Health & Human Services Administrator in Corvallis, Oregon, where she created the first Academic Health Department in the state. Most recently, Emerick served as the Chief Strategy Officer and later the Chief Research Officer at the Jacksonville Civic Council.
Quintin Griffin, Managing Director of Impact:
In his new role, Griffin will lead the design, delivery and continuous improvement of the high-quality support City Year AmeriCorps Members (ACMs) provide to thousands of students at nine Duval County School (DCPS) campuses. He began his career with City Year serving as an AmeriCorps Member in 2016 and has held a number of positions within the organization, including Impact Manager and Senior Impact Director.
This year, City Year Jacksonville returned to serving at middle schools, serving at Landmark and Westside Middle Schools; and also serves at seven elementary schools including Jacksonville Heights Elementary School, Northwestern Legends Elementary School, Highlands Estates Academy, San Jose Elementary School, Andrew Robinson Elementary School, and Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary School; which City Year Jacksonville served in last year, and a new addition; Smart Pope Livingston Elementary School.
For more information on City Year Jacksonville, visit www.cityyear.org/jacksonville.
About City Year Jacksonville:
City Year helps students and schools succeed, while preparing the next generation of civically engaged leaders who can work across lines of difference. Teams of City Year Student Success Coaches provide holistic support to students, classrooms and the whole school. A 2020 study shows that the more time students spend with Student Success Coaches, the more they improve on social, behavioral and academic skills – skills that help students thrive in school and contribute to their community.
A proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network, City Year is supported by AmeriCorps, local school districts and private philanthropy. City Year partners with public schools in 29 communities across the U.S. and through international affiliates in the U.K. and South Africa. Learn more about City Year Jacksonville at https://www.cityyear.org/jacksonville.