In 2006, Dawn Halfaker founded Halfaker and Associates, a global technology firm focused on end-to-end digital solutions for government organizations. As President and CEO, Dawn led Halfaker and Associates to rapid growth within the Federal sector. The firm was acquired by SAIC in 2021. Dawn credits her capabilities as a business leader to her active military experience and the principles she learned at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Upon selling Halfaker and Associates, Dawn established a private investment firm, HAFCO Holdings LLC, and the Continuing to Serve Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting Veteran entrepreneurs.
Throughout her military career, Dawn earned respect as a dynamic leader of men and women in combat, peacekeeping, and training in the United States, South Korea, Kuwait, and Iraq. In 2004, she deployed to Iraq with the 293rd Military Police Company, 3rd Infantry Division, where she commanded a military police platoon in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During her tour, Dawn was wounded while on a combat patrol near Baghdad, earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for her service. Halfaker was medically retired in 2005 as a Captain and remains one of the few American women in the history of the United States Armed Forces to command a platoon through ground combat missions. 
Her story has been documented by HBO, the New York Times, CNN and many other media outlets.
In addition to her investment and philanthropic ventures, Dawn is a member of the USO Board of Governors and the Vail Veterans Foundation. She also remains active with several Advisory Committees and Veteran Service Organizations.
Dawn was born and raised in San Diego, California, where she was a standout athlete at Rancho Bernardo High School. A highly recruited basketball player, she chose to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she received her Bachelor of Science. She also holds a Master of Arts in Security Studies from Georgetown University. Still active in sports and culture, she is an avid snowboarder, scuba diver, tennis player, and art collector. She currently resides in Washington D.C. with her partner and two sons.
Business Leadership Recognition:
- 2018, 2019, 2020: Federal Health IT Top 100
- 2018: Federal Health IT Impact Award
- 2017: Greater Washington GovCon Executive of the Year
- 2012: Ernst & Young Greater Washington Entrepreneur of the Year
- 2012: Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Award
- 2012: Aspen Institute Scholar Award
- 2012: Civilian Job’s Most Valuable Employer for Military
- 2011: Fortune Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs
- 2011: Worth Magazine Top Entrepreneurs to Watch
- 2011: Washington Business Journal Women Who Mean Business Award
