Stephanie is currently launching her own company, Dawson Consulting Associates.  

Previously she served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, a bi-state transportation agency, where she had responsibility for the Aviation; Tunnels, Bridges, and Terminals, Port (Maritime) Commerce; and PATH Rail Departments. Stephanie also oversaw the Operations Services Department, Office of Storm Mitigation and Resilience, Port Authority Police Department and Office of Emergency Management. As COO, she oversaw an operation with revenues of $4B per year, and a 10-year capital budget of $20B. 

Stephanie began her career at the Port Authority delivering technology and security projects, and later had responsibility for the agency’s capital program and security program management. An innovator, she created and managed the Agency Operations Center and Project Management Office as she advanced many initiatives that enabled the seamless common delivery of vital services. Prior to the Port Authority, she was a Director in the General Services Department of the City of New York and an Operations Manager in banking.

Stephanie is a retired Army Colonel. Her last role was Deputy Commander of the 53rd Troop Command. Prior to that, she was Commander of the 369th Sustainment Brigade and was the first female to serve as a brigade commander in the New York Army National Guard. She also commanded the 27th Rear Area Operations Center during its overseas deployment for Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom during 2003-04.   

Stephanie serves on the Veterans Advisory Board at Rutgers University, is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and is on the Board of the Pearls & Ivy Foundation of Queens. Previously she was a member of the NYC Veteran’s Advisory Board, Women in Transportation International (WTS), and is a Past President of the NYC Chapter of the Project Management Institute.

She received a B.A. from Cornell, a M.P.A. from Marist College, and a M.S. in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.