Posted: Sunday, February 21, 2010 6:07 am

Dawn Eaton

Name: Dawn Eaton   
Title: Executive Director
Company name: Exchange Club Family Center
Web site: www.familycentertn.org    
Address: 139 Thompson Lane, Nashville 37211 and 115 Heritage Park Dr., Murfreesboro 37129

Time in current position: 6 weeks
 
What does your company produce?  The Family Center is a nonprofit organization working to promote happy, healthy families by reducing the occurrence and effects of child abuse and neglect.  We address prevention at three levels:  raising community awareness, identifying and intervening with those who are at risk of abusing or neglecting their children and we work with parents and children where abuse or neglect has already occurred to ensure it doesn’t reoccur and that its negative effects are mitigated.

What is your basic business philosophy? In 11th grade study hall, I copied this poem on a paper towel.  Creased and faded, I have carried it in my wallet now for over 35 years. These principals guide me personally as well as professionally. 

Success is to laugh often and love much;
To win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children;
To earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;
To give of one’s self;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. 
This is to have succeeded.

What is your proudest business achievement?  Being a part of the team that led the charge to revitalize downtown Murfreesboro. The MainStreet Program has had a significant impact on Murfreesboro and Rutherford County visually, economically and emotionally.  I believe that it made our community a better place to live on many levels.
 
What led you to Murfreesboro? MTSU
 
What is your educational background?  BS in Criminal Justice and Psychology from MTSU, graduated in 1976
 
Where are you originally from? I was born in NC but grew up in Jackson, TN
 
What do you do for fun?  Cooking with my son, antiquing and being outdoors, especially walking. 
 
Tell us about your family:  My family is one the greatest joys of my life.  My parents are still living in Jackson.  My son, Spenser, is a 21 year old college junior.  I have a brother, niece and nephew in DC and over 40 cousins, aunts and uncles primarily in the SC area.
 
Who was your mentor?  I have been fortunate to have many wonderful mentors.  Professionally, Jack Weatherford and Bob Parks have been an inspiration to me.  They are both Godly men, generous with their time and financial resources, leaders in their respective fields and they encouraged and equipped me to be the best I could be.  The women that ate breakfast at Don’s Kitchen Korner every Friday in the mid-80’s were also very influential.  Spiritually, Buddy Royston, the minister at LaVergne United Methodist Church, has influenced me for over 30 years encouraging me in my faith journey, particularly the love of spending time in daily devotion.
 
Want your business profile to appear in The Murfreesboro Post? Simply send an e-mail to mwest@murfreesboropost.com.