Melissa Dawson earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with the intention of becoming a juvenile justice probation officer. Instead, she detoured into another type of youth intervention, first with Youth Home and then, 30 years ago, at The Centers.
Dawson moved up at the organization officially known as the Centers for Youth & Families, becoming its chief executive officer in 2017. Her strategic plans have increased The Centers’ revenue from $17 million in 2017 to $37 million in 2023.
The Centers provides residential treatment and day treatment for children and adolescents, therapeutic foster care and outpatient counseling for children and adults. Under Dawson’s guidance, it has also developed a nationally recognized treatment program for victims of human trafficking. “It is something I am very passionate about,” she said. “I serve as a board member on the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council and am a part of the Administration for Children & Families Region 6 Human Trafficking Task Force.”
Dawson has also guided The Centers to promote “whole-health care” by opening a primary medical clinic and pharmacy.
Her future plans for the organization focus on expanding services to meet evolving needs. “A top goal is to expand our footprint to help more children and families across Arkansas experiencing behavioral health and/or substance use issues. Our state has a tremendous need for substance use prevention and treatment services, and we aim to meet that need.”
Dawson’s management philosophy centers on “the belief that leadership is not about having all the answers but about fostering an environment where answers can be found collectively.” The CEO she admires most is Little Rock businessman and Centers board member Greg Hatcher. “Greg built a very successful company on the premise of providing ‘outrageous service’ and community involvement. His commitment to those principles is inspiring.”
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