Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and raised in a small Kentucky town, John enjoys a balance between work and family life. He’s married with two children, ages 10 and 7, and spends much of his free time supporting their extracurricular activities. Beyond family life, John is passionate about golf, running, soccer, cooking, and traveling. He also enjoys reading, which he describes as an essential part of his continuous learning process.
John is also an active volunteer, serving in leadership roles at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, a Smithsonian-affiliated Museum in his now hometown of Greenville, SC.
Fun Fact:
John was once on track to become a world-class trumpeter, but a change in his dental work (thanks braces) put a halt to his musical ambitions. Despite this, his love for jazz music has remained.
Professional Background:
John H. Dawson’s career has been defined by a diverse range of experiences in business operations and finance, with a focus on the insurance industry. He currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Correll Insurance Group, a position he has held since 2016. In this role, John oversees financial operations and strategies, driving efficiencies and helping the company navigate the ever-evolving insurance landscape. His expertise in operational management also spans several other roles, including Director of Business Operations at SpaceNews and Business Manager at American Heritage Publishing Co.
John's journey began after earning his bachelor’s in history from Furman University in 2009. His career initially took him to Washington D.C., where he worked in the media sector, starting as an editorial assistant for a history magazine. Later, his passion for learning led him to pursue an MBA at Clemson University, which he completed in 2019.
Professional Philosophy:
John attributes much of his success to the mentors and professional advocates who supported his growth. His career philosophy emphasizes the importance of finding people who genuinely want to see others succeed. This has shaped his own leadership style, which includes mentoring others and helping them reach their full potential. John believes that success is not only about being in the right place but also about the preparation and skills you bring to the table. He enjoys applying these principles to his role at Correll Insurance Group and in his work with industry organizations like NetVU.
Industry Insights:
John has a keen understanding of the challenges facing the insurance industry today. John says, “I anticipate the industry continuing to embrace efficiency plays that don’t eliminate the human element but rather enhance it. The table stakes for what our consumers expect – both personal and commercial – continues to rise, and those in our industry that embrace the pace of change required to meet those expectations will be the ones that continue to flourish.”
With the expectations of both personal and commercial consumers continuing to rise, John sees those who adopt and adapt to change as the ones who will thrive in the industry. He’s particularly interested in how insurance carriers will evolve their relationships with agency partners in light of recent market dynamics.
John Dawson’s professional journey is a testament to his commitment to personal and professional growth, his passion for the insurance industry and NetVU, and his ability to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing business environment. His focus on mentoring others and his forward-thinking approach to technology and efficiency continue to drive his success at Correll Insurance Group and has a great impact on NetVU.