Dawn Johnson

Rinaldi Consultants

Dawn Johnson is a retired Certified Professional Controller, aviation safety expert and nationally recognized leader in workforce development and safety culture. With more than 20 years of experience in the National Airspace System, she served at the FAA’s Atlanta Air Route Traffic Control Center, managing complex enroute operations and contributing to critical safety initiatives. Dawn has been deeply involved in programs such as ATSAP and VSRP, collaborating across industry to identify risks and implement system-wide solutions. For more than 15 years she helped plan NATCA's Communicating for Safety (CFS) conference, where she has served as conference emcee, panel moderator and panelist, helping shape conversations on safety, human performance, and leadership. Dawn has led national training and leadership efforts for NATCA, supporting over 11,000 aviation professionals. Known for her collaborative and people-centered approach, she is the recipient of NATCA’s 2025 Steve Hansen Safety Advocate Award.

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