Dawn Russell
Managing Director and Executive Search Practice Leader
Customer Experience
As Managing Director of Executive Search for Blue Rock Search, Dawn brings her Social Talent Black Belt skills and deep analytic abilities to bear, developing quality talent pipelines for a variety of diverse industries focused in Customer Experience. Dawn is the only Director of Recruiting at Blue Rock Search that is equally knowledgeable in three of our four specialties including: Customer Experience, Franchise, and Human Resources. The very first official hire at Blue Rock Search, Dawn has become an indispensable resource for the entire team.
Prior to Blue Rock Search Dawn was a Talent Acquisition Specialist for a $4 billion life sciences company doing business in 180 countries. She has a keen sense of “what good looks like” and can dependably deliver a slate of talent that offers an exceptional match to Blue Rock Search’s wide variety of clients.
Connect with Dawn
Get to know Dawn
Dawn is a healthy combination of fitness and nutrition enthusiast and “foodie.” She enjoys talking about, cooking, and eating new cuisine which is perfectly matched with her husband Nick’s love of mixology and serious outdoor grilling. A former southern California girl and now an avid beach goer, Dawn and her family spend as much time as possible on the white sands of Siesta Key or boating on the Gulf of Mexico. She has eclectic tastes when it comes to “me time” when she might watch her favorite movie Hair again, listen to Billy Joel or Dave Matthews, and re-read her favorite book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.
Dawn resides in Sarasota, FL with her husband Nick and their two beautiful little girls, Sophie and Emma, and their chocolate Lab Kai.
Fun Facts About Dawn
- The kindest thing a stranger ever did for Dawn was: “I was living in Chicago taking the bus super early every morning to get to the gym before work. I would take 2 buses and would always get on the second bus with an older man who was usually waiting at the stop already. We hadn’t spoken and then one day he brought me a flash light to connect to my backpack for my early morning bus trips to stay safe.”
- Dawn Collects: Starbucks mugs from every city she visits
- Favorite show when she was a kid was: Zoobaleezoo…what?
Dawn's Charity of Choice
I’m proud to be supporting MDA Team Momentum!
This year, I’m taking on the challenge of running the NYC Marathon—but for me, it’s about more than just crossing the finish line. As part of this journey, I’m fundraising for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), an organization that has played a crucial role in supporting families like mine. MDA is committed to advancing research and providing essential care for those affected by neuromuscular diseases, and I’m honored to contribute to their mission.
My family’s connection to this cause began when Sophie was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, a neuromuscular disease. We’re incredibly grateful that her condition hasn’t stopped her from leading an active and fulfilling life, but we also recognize that many others face far greater challenges. The future holds uncertainties, but we remain committed to supporting the search for better treatments and a brighter path forward for everyone affected by these conditions.
By supporting my marathon run, you’re not just helping me complete a race—you’re directly contributing to critical research, improved therapies, and vital support for families navigating neuromuscular diseases. Every mile I run will serve as a reminder of the collective impact we can make together.
I truly appreciate any contribution you can make. Your support means the world to my family and me, and I’m incredibly grateful for your help in getting me to the starting line. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by these conditions.