Drawing inspiration from Catherine McAuley, Dawn Hayward is an experienced leader who understands the power of storytelling and “systems thinking” to effect profound, complex levels of change. She also has a proven commitment to the mission of the Sisters of Mercy, and a deep connection to Cranaleith.

Prior to beginning her appointment as Executive Director of Cranaleith on June 7, 2022, Dawn served for 11 years as Assistant Vice President of Assessment and Compliance at Gwynedd Mercy University, a member institution of the Conference for Mercy Higher Education. She furthered her passion for the “Mercy Mission” while serving as the Co-Chair for the Mercy Mission Audit Self Study, and as a longtime member of the Gwynedd Mercy University Mission Leadership Academy. What’s more, this past year she served on Cranaleith’s President’s Council, allowing her an insider’s perspective on how Cranaleith fulfills its mission.

Before entering the ‘Mercy World,’ Dawn was Assistant Dean in the Communications, Arts, and Humanities Department at Delaware County Community College. She earned her MA and PhD in English Literature from the University of Kansas, specializing 19th Century American literature and feminist critical theory. She has her BA in English Literature from Kansas State University.

Dawn has been married for over 30 years to Bart Vince, who recently retired as an Environmental Scientist with the North America Energy Services Corporation. Dawn and Bart have two adult daughters, Rachael and Sarah. When Dawn is not working to fulfill the mission of Cranaleith, you can find her hiking, camping, or kayaking.

Dawn can be reached at dhayward@cranaleith.org.