Mr. Dawson was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.  He was raised in Kenner, Louisiana.  He graduated from Grace King High School.  He graduated from Southern University at New Orleans with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1996.  He obtained a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Mankato State University in 1997.  Mr. Dawson obtained an Entrepreneurial Training Certificate from the U.S. Small Business Administration & National Urban League in 2003.

 

Darwin E. Dawson began a career with the Department of Veterans Affairs in June 2000 as a Veterans Service Representative at the New Orleans VA Regional Office.  Mr. Dawson completed a Detail Assignment in the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Division from September 2000 to May 2001.  Mr. Dawson’s assignment was converted to a permanent position as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in June 2001.

 

Mr. Dawson worked in the New Orleans Office from 2000 to 2005.  During this time, Mr. Dawson honed his skills by keeping abreast with industry practices and agency policy and procedures.  His quality of work and attention to detail quickly proved to be trustworthy.   He participated in multiple additional assignments and received multiple service/performance awards.

 

Mr. Dawson relocated to Houston in 2005.  He began exercising his leadership skills which were quite evident in the various special assignments he has completed.  He became the Houston VA Regional Employment Coordinator in April of 2013.  He also serves as the Division’s Outreach and Homeless Veterans Representative.  Mr. Dawson provides on-going additional support throughout the division.  His geographic area includes Houston, McAllen and Corpus Christi.  Mr. Dawson is also the owner of Playtime Enterprises LLC and 9025 BBQ LLC.

 

Mr. Dawson is a member of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.  He was initiated on April 15, 2000 at the Phi Iota Iota Graduate Chapter located in Laplace, La.  Mr. Dawson is an International and District Life Member.  Mr. Dawson is an active member in the Mu Mu Nu Chapter located in Conroe, TX.  Mr. Dawson was the founding chairman of our premier fundraising event.  Mr. Dawson resides in the North Houston / Humble area.  He is married to Shannon Dawson.  He has three son’s Tyler, Darwin II & Dylan.