Dawn Tyler Lee is a change agent, strategist, relationship builder, thought partner, problem solver, and the founder of Forrest Street Consulting. 

Prior to founding FSC, Dawn served as the former Deputy Chief of Staff for External Affairs for the current mayor of Columbus, Andrew Ginther, serving as the highest ranking African-American appointed official in the administration. During her tenure, she coordinated the city’s efforts in community engagement, diversity, inclusion, education, and health. Dawn assumed additional responsibilities when Mayor Ginther also appointed her as the Interim Director of CelebrateOne, the city’s initiative to reduce infant mortality.  

In 2019, Dawn chaired the first national search for Columbus’ police chief and was the engineer behind a historic process that included robust community engagement components. 

Her impressive work history includes: Senior Vice President for Community Impact at United Way in Central Ohio, Founding Executive Director of Partners Achieving Community Transformation (PACT), Housing Policy Director for the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio, and serving in two Vice Presidencies at The Ohio State University, overseeing Government Relations and Outreach & Engagement during her tenures.  

Dawn holds a master’s in urban affairs and public policy - with a specialization in housing and community development -  from the University of Delaware.  She has also successfully completed the Young Americans Leadership Program at the Harvard Business School

Dawn lives on the eastside of Columbus with her entrepreneur husband, Robert E. Lee III and their ornery puppy, Chiqui, a rescue from Puerto Rico.