He graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School and served in the United States Air Force.
In 1978 he ran on a United States Virgin Islands gubernatorial ticket with Ron de Lugo and lost the election.
Dawson served as the executive secretary and chief legal counsel for the United States Virgin Islands Legislature.
Dawson also served as the commissioner of the United States Virgin Islands Department of Economic Development and Agriculture from 1987 to 1993.
Dawson served on the United States Virgin Islands Port Authority and was the chair of the board.