Dress for Success Austin Announces Brittany Clay as New Executive Director
Brittany Clay, Executive Director at DFSA
AUSTIN, Texas (October 6, 2026) — Dress for Success Austin (DFSA) today announced the appointment of Brittany Clay as its new Executive Director. Clay steps into the role as outgoing Executive Director Mia Johns retires after 15 years of transformative leadership.
Under Johns’ leadership, Dress for Success Austin rebranded and expanded its impact significantly, transitioning from a localized effort into a cornerstone community resource for women across Central Texas. Clay’s transitional period began on Monday, October 5, 2026. She will officially take the helm on January 4, 2027, to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth, program innovation, and community impact.
"Leaving Dress for Success Austin after 15 years is deeply meaningful to me, and I could not feel more proud of what this organization has become. What began as a small organization serving a few hundred women has grown into a thriving organization reaching more than 1,000 women each year with programs that support women not only in finding employment, but in building lasting economic independence. I have had the privilege of watching this organization evolve, and I know its greatest chapter is still ahead," said Mia Johns.
"I have tremendous confidence in Brittany and in the leadership she will bring to DFSA. She is stepping into an organization with a strong foundation, an incredible team, a committed board and community, and real momentum. I am excited to see her bring her own vision and leadership to this work and to watch Dress for Success Austin continue to grow, innovate and transform lives for years to come.”
Clay brings a wealth of experience across nonprofit leadership, higher education, and strategic communications to her new role. She most recently served as Communications Director at The Huddle: A Sport Leadership Institute, where she led organizational strategy, co-chaired the annual fundraising gala, and spearheaded a comprehensive rebrand. Her career also includes managing academic communications for executive leadership at The University of Texas at Austin, serving as Head of Communications for the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, and leading brand programs at PR agencies in New York and Austin.
A dedicated Central Texas advocate, Clay has served as Board Chair for Mama Sana Vibrant Woman and founded the PTA at her daughter’s elementary school, paving the way for the revival of PTAs across seven schools in Del Valle ISD. She holds a master’s degree in Public Communications from Fordham University and a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Texas Christian University.
"I am honored to lead Dress for Success Austin and build upon the extraordinary foundation laid by Mia, our board, and our dedicated team," said Brittany Clay. "DFSA plays a critical role in empowering women and strengthening families throughout our region. I look forward to working closely with our staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners to expand our reach and deepen our impact for the women we serve."
An official meet and greet with Brittany Clay alongside Mia Johns will be held during Toast & Tour at DFSA offices on Thursday, October 15 at 6:15pm. To RSVP and attend the event, visit https://tinyurl.com/ToastandTourOct2026.
About Dress for Success Austin
Dress for Success Austin is a non-profit organization dedicated to igniting careers and transforming futures. Since 2003, Dress for Success Austin has served over 19,000 women in Central Texas through referrals from over 100 nonprofit & government agencies. The organization empowers women to achieve economic mobility by providing a global network of support, workplace attire, and development tools for success. For more information about Dress for Success Austin, please visit https://www.dressforsuccessaustin.org/.
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