Local Heroes 2024

Dawn White attended Rutherford County Schools and is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, and Specialist in Education in Administration and Supervision degrees.  She taught for seven years as an elementary school teacher in the Murfreesboro City School System.

Dawn’s love of community service led her to become involved with organizations whose work addresses some of her community’s greatest needs.  Recognizing that the government cannot solve all of society’s problems, she has spent years volunteering with organizations across Rutherford County in efforts to improve the lives of people in the community.  

In 2005, Dawn felt the call of entrepreneurship. She became an owner of TheVacuumCenter.com and eventually started TheSewingCenter.com, which are online retailers of vacuum cleaners, sewing machines, and related parts and supplies. Through hard work, Dawn tripled the size of her business and has provided both full-time and part-time jobs for numerous people in Rutherford County.   Her office and warehouse space were located in Smyrna until the business was sold in 2015.

Dawn served as State Representative for the 37th District from 2012-2018, and is currently serving her second term as the State Senator for District 13. She currently serves as a member of the Education and Finance Committees of the Tennessee Senate, as well as, serving as first vice-chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. In addition, Dawn was also named Deputy Speaker. 

Dawn and Chad currently live in Murfreesboro, and they are active members of LifePoint Church in Smyrna.