Dawn Riley
22489 Milner, St. Clair Shores, MI 48081
(415) 760-7642
driley@americatrue.org
Speaker / Author / Sailor / Community Leader
SUMMARY:
Accomplished businesswoman, community leader and youth sports advocate, author, speaker, TV
commentator, committed philanthropist and trailblazing professional athlete. Driven by a passion for
health and fitness coupled with the ability to develop strategic and personal relationships that get things
done. Currently exploring opportunities to use an extensive international background to strengthen
communities and teams.
CAREER EXPERIENCE
CEO, America True Foundation, San Francisco, CA
1995 – Current
The America True Foundation is a non-profit foundation, which initiates youth sailing programs
nationwide and supports those programs through program planning, grant giving and public awareness.
America True collaborates with multiple community groups including YMCA, Girls Inc., Big Brother/Big
Sister, PAL, Bay Area Girls Center, Boys and Girls Clubs, and local Schools.
America True was initially the 2000 America’s Cup campaign with an $18 million budget and over one
hundred employees. Served as CEO, responsible for business planning and execution, marketing and
public relations, fundraising, team building and management and sponsor relations. Participated on the
race boat as the Team Captain in the 2000 Louis Vuitton Series for the America’s Cup.
General Manager, Areva-Challenge, Valencia Spain
2002-2007
General Manager for French America’s Cup team Areva-Challenge. Produced budgets, sponsorship
packages, public relations planning documents and press releases, timelines, HR policies, org charts and
all relevant planning documents for this $40 million project. Managed a team of 74 people from varied
cultures in multiple disciplines including design, shore, fitness, sailing, administration and marketing.
Extensive experience in working with Spanish and French governmental bodies. Oversaw the concept,
permitting and construction of the 4 million euro, team facility. Gained a moderate fluency in French.
President, Woman’s Sports Foundation, East Meadow, NY
2002 – 2004
The Women’s Sports Foundation is an educational nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by tennis
legend Billie Jean King. The Women’s Sports Foundation is one of the top five women’s funds in the US
and is dedicated to advancing the participation and leadership of girls and women in sport and fitness.
Served on the board of the Foundation from 2000 and was elected president-elect in 2001. Termed out
of board service in 2006. Participated in major fund-raising activities including rebranding of the
Foundation. Increased the annual revenue to 10million dollars. Developed and nurtured relationships
with government, sports, lawmakers and political opinion leaders. Chaired regular board meetings.
Independent Consulting & Community Participation, Worldwide
2001 – Current
Recreation & Sports Programming
Design programming and facilities for recreation and sports features in mixed use, retail and
recreation projects in coooperation with the YMCA and other NPOs. Spokesperson and relationship
consultant to community groups, political and regulatory bodies and the media. Past clients include
Mills Corporation, a publically held real estate and recreation investment trust, and Signature
Properties, a residential housing developer.
TV Commentator
On-air commentator and co-host for Outdoor Life Network’s coverage of the Louis Vuitton Cup for
the America’s Cup 2003 and on OLN and ESPN for sailing regatta events worldwide.
Professional Speaker
Motivational speaker serving worldwide clients including Bank of America, Boston Scientific, BMW,
Oracle Corporation, Novartis, and General Motors.
Spokesperson:
Past product partnerships include various industry equipment such as Chapin Clothing, Dawn Riley
Signature Line and Omega Watches. Currently representing ClearPoint High Definition Weather.
Founding Member:
Aqua Limpia, environmental education program in Valencia Spain. National Women’s Sailing
Association, Women’s International Match Racing Association
Political Activities:
Emily’s List POP program participant
Volunteer – Hillary Clinton for President
Board Member St. Clair Shores Democratic Club
Women’s Leadership Forum participant and DNC member
2006
2007 – Current
2007 – Current
2007
Other:
BMW Herbert Quant Foundation Young Leader Program
Aspen Institute Program Participant
2000, 2002, 2004
2008
SAILING:
Participated in three America’s Cups: 1992, 1995, 2000. In 1992 the only woman on the team. In 1995,
team captain of the all women’s team and 2000 CEO and Captain of co-ed team. Won in 1992. Two
Round-the-World Races 1989-90, watch captain, engineer and driver. 1993-94 skipper. Second over-all
in 1989-90. Was first American, man or woman to sail in 3 America’s Cups and 2 Round the World
Races. The highest-ranking woman on the open match racing circuit in 1992 – has not been bettered
since. Women’s World Match Racing Champion in 1992. Open ILC World Champion in 2002. One of the
better-known sailors worldwide.
1989-90 Watch Captain, Diver, Engineer on the 1st all female team to race. Finished 2nd
1992 – Only woman on the winning 1992 America’s Cup Team, America3
1993-94 – Skipper, Heineken Whitbread
1995 – Team Captain, “The Women’s Team” for the America’s Cup
2 World Championships and multiple records held
1999 Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year
Partial List of boats /classes : 1 Tonners, IOR, Grand Prix 50s, Morning Glory, Play Station, Melges
24s and scows, Ynglings, Maxis, all Farr classes and a few ice boats.
Coach:
Coaching experience ranges from pulling together club level sailors into a workable team to Olympic
Yngling teams to personalized sessions for skippers and trimmers on top race teams. Especially
effective with teams ‘challenged’ with personality and differing skill-levels.
AUTHOR: Taking the Helm, Little, Brown & Company
1995
Co-author of an autobiographical story of the Round the World Race in 1993-94. Skipper of the 60 foot
racing boat, leading an all women’s team through the treacherous waters of Antarctica, the Indian
Ocean, over the equator and back through the North Atlantic. The dangerous conditions also included
pulling together a team that has mutinied against the skipper for the first leg. Sold out third printing.
Education: Michigan State University BofA, Advertising. MSU Alumni of the Year 1997.
http://www.dawnriley.com