The Shepherdstown morning club and evening group had the opportunity to hear from our amazing new District Governor, Dawn Linn. She shared her remarkable Rotary journey and outlined district goals for this Rotary year amplifying the Rotary International theme of Unite for Good.
Dawn Linn isn’t your average retiree. After steering the YWCA Northcentral PA as CEO from 2017 to January 2025, she hung up her executive hat, but definitely not her sense of adventure. Before leading the YWCA, she spent 14 years as the VP of Planned Philanthropy at the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania, where she practically wrote the book on cultivating generosity. And yes, she did that after a 15-year award-winning banking career that started at Peoples State Bank and peaked at Wachovia Wealth Management.
But here’s the thing: Dawn isn’t just about spreadsheets and strategic plans. She’s a secret (or not-so-secret anymore) thrill-seeker! Forget quiet evenings; Dawn’s been known to rappel down buildings (yes, the tallest one in Williamsport, thank you very much), zip-line through forests, conquer white-water rapids, and even explore canyons. Think Indiana Jones, but with a better understanding of charitable giving.
When she’s not chasing adrenaline, Dawn enjoys more grounded pursuits. You’ll find her creating stunning silk flower arrangements, tending her vibrant garden, or getting lost in a good light fiction novel—because even superheroes need downtime.
Her community involvement is legendary. A Past President of the Williamsport Rotary Club, she also served as Secretary and Foundation Chair for the club and was an Area 4 Governor. She’s the founder of the Northcentral PA Estate Planners Council and a dedicated advocate for her community, Dawn has a heart as big as her travel itinerary. Her passion projects through Rotary include the Junior Rotarian program (a proud annual project since 1936), Highway Cleanup, the Brandon Park Garden, 3rd Grade Dictionaries, and the Indoor Mini Golf initiative. Speaking of travel, she’s a true explorer, always ready to dive into new cultures and sample exotic cuisines.
Why Rotary? Why be a District Governor?
Service has always been at the heart of who she is. Whether organizing local initiatives or building bridges between neighbors, she believes true leadership begins with listening, connecting, and rolling up our sleeves to make a difference. As District Governor, she committed to nurturing the spirit of service and deepening the community connections that bring lasting impact to every corner of District 7360.
On the personal side, Dawn has been married to Thomas for 39 years, and proud mother of three adopted grown children, Dawn proves you can balance a stellar career with a life full of adventure and heart. So, if you’re looking for someone who can manage a multi-million-dollar budget and then leap off a building, you’ve found her.
Photo from left: Jen Wabnitz, Vice President; Dale Homan, President; and Dawn Lynn, District Governor, Rotary District 7360.