Assistant General Manager, Human Resources
Deborah A. Dawson, SPHR serves as the Assistant General Manager of Human Resources/Labor Relations/Training and DEO for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). She joined MARTA in January 2009, previously serving as the Assistant General Manager of Human Resources and Chief of Staff for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA). In her current position, she oversees all aspects of MARTA’s Human Resources, Labor Relations, Training, DEO and Employee Availability programs. She has worked in the field of Human Resources and Labor Relations for over 25 years, having worked for the Lifespan Health System prior to joining RIPTA. Deborah attended Roger Williams University and is certified by the Human Resources’ Certification Institute as a SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources).
Deborah is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the SHRM Atlanta Chapter. As well, she serves as a member of the Human Resources Committee of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). Deborah has presented HR related topics for a number of organizations including APTA and for the National Transit Institute (NTI).
In addition to her professional affiliations, Deborah has served as an active volunteer within her community. She served on the Board of Directors of the Visiting Nurse Service of Greater Rhode Island, and has chaired their Human Resources sub-committee as well as the annual Gala. She also served on the Board of Directors of Crossroads Rhode Island, Angel Planes, Inc., has volunteered for the Trudeau Center/Special Olympics, and served as a judge for Bristol Rhode Island’s Miss Fourth of July Pageant. A 1999 graduate of the Leadership Rhode Island Core Program, she volunteers for Leadership Rhode Island on an as needed basis. Deborah is married and the mother of two adult sons.