Katelyn Dawson

About Katelyn Dawson

I\'m an operations and data professional who thrives at the intersection of systems, people, and process. My career has been built on one consistent instinct: find what\'s broken, build something better, and make sure the people around me are set up to succeed. I recently joined Visit Buffalo as their Business Intelligence Coordinator, where I focus on CRM health and data integrity — bringing the same obsession with accuracy and structure that has defined every role I\'ve held. What makes this role especially meaningful is the mission behind it. I moved to Buffalo after college, fell in love with the city, and never left and now I get to help tell its story in a way that makes visitors feel exactly what I felt when I got here. Before moving into BI, I spent several years in HR and staffing operations, where I overhauled 30+ workflows, filled critical gaps across recruiting and marketing, and kept organizations running smoothly through transitions that would have derailed less prepared teams. Prior to that, I led a Talent Acquisition Coordination team of 10 to 12 people — setting goals, developing careers, managing performance, and being the kind of leader I would have wanted early in my own career. That team got better because of intentional investment, not just oversight. What drives me is simple: I want the data to be right, the processes to make sense, and the people doing the work to feel supported. Whether I\'m cleaning up a CRM, redesigning a workflow, or coaching someone through a tough quarter, I show up the same way — curious, direct, and ready to build something that lasts.

Experience

1. Operations Support Specialist

   Staffbuffalo

   Jun 2025 — Present · Buffalo, NY, US

   StaffBuffalo is a certified women-owned (WBE), full-service professional staffing firm headquartered in Buffalo, NY. We specialize in executive search, direct hire placements, and talent optimization services across a wide range of industries. Our personalized approach allows us to understand each client’s unique needs, culture, and goals to deliver top-performing candidates and long-term talent solutions. Our sister company, HRBuffalo, provides customized HR consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses, including compliance audits, employee relations, performance management, and strategic HR leadership. Together, we support companies through all stages of growth by aligning talent and HR strategies with business objectives.

Education

• Ball State University

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Theatre Production - Stage Management

  2010 — 2014