Dawn Knasas

“Committed to building long-term relationships with my clients and helping them reach their goals. Drawing on my knowledge, experience, and world class tools, I help build financial freedom for my clients.”

Dawn Knasas graduated from the University of Southern California in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering. She then completed training to become a Navy Pilot in 2003. During her career in the Navy, Dawn flew the C2-A Greyhound and E2-C Hawkeye completing two deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Additionally, she served her shore tours at NATO Headquarters Supreme Allied Command Transformation (HQ SACT) and U.S. Fleet Forces Command respectively. After transitioning to the Selective Reserves in 2010, she remained deeply committed to the Navy, taking on various leadership positions, including taking Command of the ACCLOGWING Squadron Augment Unit.

She transitioned to civilian life working as a Program and Project Analyst for NATO Supreme Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, VA, where she applied her expertise in operational management to support international military initiatives. In 2015, Dawn earned her MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, further solidifying her commitment to leadership and strategic decision-making. In 2025, Dawn retired as a Navy Captain with over 1,000 flight hours and 100 carrier landings, her military awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Joint Service Commendation Medal, among others.

Upon retiring from the Navy, Dawn sought to combine her interest for helping military families with her background in strategic planning. After working with Statera Retirement as a customer, she chose to pursue her certification as a financial planner so she could further develop her understanding of its holistic approach.

Military families face unique challenges when it comes to retirement planning, especially when navigating changes in benefits, taxes, and life insurance. The decision-making process can be overwhelming, particularly when military members are confronted with complex choices, such as whether to accept survivor benefits with their retirement. Dawn understands the weight of these decisions and how they can affect a family’s financial future. Through the Statera Retirement Method, she can help empower military families to make informed decisions, ensuring they understand the reasons behind their choices. By focusing on specific retirement risks, such as longevity, inflation, and sequence of return, Dawn helps her clients create a comprehensive, sustainable plan for their retirement, providing clarity during what can be a stressful and uncertain time.

Dawn prides herself in getting to know each client so that she can understand their individual needs and what matters most to them. This helps her recommend products and strategies designed to meet their current, and more importantly, future needs.