Project 21 Ambassador Rashard Dawson is a dedicated public servant and community leader who ran for the Kansas State Legislature in House District 16, earning the endorsement of The Kansas City Star. His campaign focused on economic development, education reform and strengthening local communities, resonating with voters and gaining national attention when he narrowly lost by just four votes.
Rashard was selected for the Kansas Emerging Leader Class of 2022, a prestigious statewide program that recognizes top leaders committed to civic impact and leadership excellence.
Rashard is a seasoned leader with deep law, government and business expertise. He has successfully navigated high-stakes roles in public and private sectors, driving growth, influence and strategic outcomes across industries.
At Southwind, Rashard served as Regional Vice President, overseeing four business units and growing annual revenue from $6 million to $9 million in his first year. His leadership consistently exceeded financial targets, with an average NOI of 30% and gross profit growth from 50% to 75%. Under his guidance, two units achieved top global rankings out of 180 franchises worldwide.
As Director of State and Local Affairs at Lockton Companies, Rashard built strong relationships with key stakeholders, enhancing Lockton’s visibility and influence in government and industry circles. He placed 10 executives on high-influence boards, led lobbying efforts and elevated the company’s profile through civic engagement and strategic partnerships.
Rashard directed governmental lobbying, public relations and issue management at a cybersecurity company. He developed strategies that shaped the company’s reputation at the federal agency level and honed his expertise in government contracts, navigating the complexities of this specialized area.
Before his corporate roles, Rashard served as Director of Consumer Protection & Antitrust in the Kansas Attorney General’s office, where he set critical consumer information security standards. He also ran a highly publicized campaign for the Kansas State Legislature, coming within four votes of victory.
Earlier, Rashard worked as a lobbyist at Federico Consulting, representing state organizations and Fortune 100 companies.