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After almost making a career of volunteering throughout Greater Des Moines and running for secretary of state, Dawn Roberts has joined Employee and Family Resources as its chief development officer. With her strong background in volunteer experience and her political and community involvement, Roberts is on board to help bolster short- and long-term fund raising for the organization.

When did you start in your new position?

I started in November. It is a newly created position. I was hired to get short- and long-term fund raising set up. We are working on a long-term plan … that is consistent with the mission.

What led to you becoming CDO?

Originally, I was a teacher in Maracaibo, Venezuela, and became a substitute teacher for 1 1/2 years after I got married and moved to Des Moines. Then I decided to stay at home with my kids and began volunteering heavily in the community for more than 20 years. After that I served as the director of special events for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (Iowa chapter) and then did two capital campaigns for Children and Families of Iowa and a $5 million “Zoo for All Seasons” capital campaign for the Blank Park Zoo. I was the executive director for Variety (the Children’s Charity of Iowa) and worked on capital campaigns and development for the (American) Red Cross (Central Iowa chapter). I worked specifically in capital campaigns and after that, all other areas of fund raising. I did not know much about EFR, but it is the best-kept secret in town.

What are you looking forward to while working for EFR?

Every single one of their programs has a solution focus. … EFR always goes where there is a need in the community.

What was the first organization you volunteered for in Des Moines?

I had a brand-new baby and I was asked to be a member of the Junior League (of Des Moines Inc.). It was nice to have one day to think about the community.

How were you involved politically?

I was Gov. (Robert D.) Ray’s county chair for two elections. I was asked to run for Polk County Central Committee as co-chair and 10 years later asked to run again. Then, I was elected the first woman chair of the Polk County Central Republican Committee. I also ran for statewide office (secretary of state during the 1985/1986 election) and almost won – that is the scary part. It was an exciting election, decided at 2 a.m., and it was not even a Republican year.

What was your first job when you went back to work?

I was the director of special events for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I was trying to figure out, how do I turn my volunteer work into a career? I didn’t think that I wanted to teach, so I looked at ads. I was inspired by my son at Northwestern University. … He gave credibility to the cause. It also sounded like fun because I like to give parties. It was my first job after 20 years.

With your political background, were you involved with the Iowa caucuses?

I went to the caucuses, but purposely stayed out of it. I work closely with people in both political parties.

What would you suggest to someone looking to get involved?

I would be glad if they would call me. Des Moines is a wonderful community. As a new person, I didn’t have a problem at all; it’s easy to get involved here.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to be with my family – or traveling to see my family because they are all over the place.