New Dawn whiskey being poured from the bottle into a tasting glass

Our Story

Dr. Dawn O'Neal, founder and CEO of New Dawn Distilling, raising a glass of New Dawn whiskey

Founder & CEO

Dawn O'Neal, PhD

I'm convinced that when we do things with intention, we can create a healthier and safer world. It's not just a starry-eyed dream. I've taken a pretty winding road to get here, starting with a PhD in ecology, to steering projects and leading climate research at national and international levels, plus over a decade of experience in conservation with a focus on community-led projects.

Along the way I've had the pleasure of sharing a glass or two of bourbon with really incredible people. I know it's possible to bring these passions of mine together and center them around meaningful and productive collaborations with communities and stakeholders, where environmental sustainability and fair business practices go hand in hand. Let's be the change we wish to see in the world!

New Dawn 10-Year Old Wheated Whiskey and 6-Year Old Bourbon on a mossy stone in a clear, sunlit stream

FOUNDER & CEO

Our Sustainability Pledge

A clear commitment to measurable impact.

Our pledge is built on transparency, community accountability, and science-based targets. We publish our annual impact report, set reduction goals across operations, and invest in restoration projects that benefit both people and the planet. Every initiative is audited for equity, durability, and real-world outcomes.

New Dawn's current practices: local organic grains, local well water and closed-loop distilling, spent mash donated to farms for feed, warehousing on both coasts, recyclable bottles with onsite bottling, and 1% of proceeds donated to water and climate initiatives

Sustainability in Action

From grain to glass, and beyond.

At New Dawn we prioritize efficiency, sustainability, and eco-friendly practices throughout our entire supply chain. This means systematically analyzing the environmental impact of our whiskey from its raw materials to its end of life.

A bottle of New Dawn whiskey in the grass between a pair of embossed cowboy boots

Investing in Change

A vision of a better tomorrow.

When we must compromise, lacking the technology or systems for our ideals, we invest in folks driving environmental and social change. When you savor New Dawn Distilling's beverages, you savor a vision of a better tomorrow. You join us in leaving our lands, waters, climate, and communities in better shape for future generations.

A dog in a bow tie sitting in the grass behind two bottles of New Dawn whiskey

Meet the Team Behind New Dawn

Leaders advancing our mission every day.

Dionne Galloway

VP of Consumer Relations

Bio

I'm your go-to guru for all things organization development. With over 15 years under my belt, I've got a knack for helping organizations and leaders reach their full potential and hit those financial and strategic targets. I've been around the block with everything from guiding transformations, to boosting communication and fundraising efforts. I do it all with a blend of strong leadership, engaging stakeholders, managing projects like a pro, developing employees, and making facilitation look easy. It's all in a day's work.

Malcolm Person-Perry

VP Media and Social Outreach

Bio

I'm a newbie to American whiskey but learning quick under Dawn's tutelage - no surprise there given how much of a taskmaster she was as a baby sitter. Truthfully, it's beyond exciting to join the family and bring my decade+ experience in business operations, social outreach, and photography to New Dawn. Not only do we have so much fun together but the company values and approachable whiskeys are easy to get behind.