Ms Dawson will take up the role at the NCMA's annual general meeting on 13 November.
Until then she will work as shadow chair alongside the acting chair, Sue Johnson.
Ms Dawson has worked as a childminder for ten years and is currently registered to care for 20 children. She was previously county chair for Northumberland and regional treasurer.
'I'm excited about getting even more involved,' Ms Dawson said. She commented that one of the main issues facing many childminders was to ensure that they are 'not forgotten' as the Government rolls out its extended schools agenda.
'As chair I will be keen to make sure that all home-based childcarers, including NCMA's 48,000 members, have access to the professional support and training that I found so invaluable when I first registered,' she added.
