Dawn Carr

Growing the voice of nature through collaboration and leadership is a hallmark of Dawn’s personal and professional core. As director of strategic conservation at the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), Dawn is accelerating conservation impact by integrating and expanding the role of private land conservation partnerships into national and international climate and biodiversity dialogues. Prior to joining NCC, Dawn was the first woman to hold the position of executive director for the Canadian Parks Council where she advised senior executives in Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial park agencies and led initiatives to expand and support a pan-Canadian parks and protected area community.

With over 20 years of experience, Dawn’s passion extends into volunteer roles on two International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Commissions, and board and advisory positions with the Canadian National Committee for the IUCN. Dawn holds a master of public administration from Queen’s University focused on environmental policy and community development, and a master of arts and undergraduate degree from the University of Waterloo.

Most recently Dawn was recognized by the Canadians Parks Council with a 2021 Individual Award of Excellence for her exemplary contribution to Canada's parks community in her role as the CPC's executive director from 2012-2021.