SAN JOSE, CA – Peter Daniels will become the first Chief Public Affairs Officer for the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) on July 5, a cabinet-level position. Daniels brings more than 22 years of experience in school communications, marketing, public relations, and community engagement to the organization, serving school systems in California, Hawaii, and Washington. He will oversee legislative advocacy efforts and the department of Media and Communications.
"I am confident that his wide range of experience will help the County Office of Education expand our legislative advocacy efforts and enhance our communications division," said County Superintendent of Schools Jon R. Gundry.
Under the direction of the Superintendent, Daniels will help develop governmental affairs programs for the SCCOE, as well as serve as chief spokesperson while executing and maintaining sound public relations, communications, and community relations. He will also serve as liaison between the Superintendent and other public and governmental agencies and officials.
"I'm excited to join an award-winning communications team and a county office that is focused on supporting students and school communities in our region," Daniels said. "Building strong relationships and partnerships, highlighting innovative SCCOE programs and services, and leading regional communications initiatives to support student learning and pre-K to post-secondary education are important priorities of mine."
In addition to his roles and responsibilities for school districts, Daniels has provided communications consulting for educational agencies on crisis communications, school operations, and school bonds and levies. For the past four years, he has served as the Executive Director of Communication and Public Relations for the Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD), which supports 35 school districts in the King County (Seattle) and Pierce County (Tacoma) region.
Daniels holds a master's degree in journalism from Indiana University, Bloomington and a bachelor's degree in speech communications from Boston College. He is certified as a trainer in the Leadership Challenge, Facilitative Leadership, and completed the Emergency Management Institute for Advanced Public Information Officers, a program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
An active member of both community and educational organizations, Daniels has served on several boards and foundations. He has been a presenter for the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) and is the former president of the Washington School Public Relations Association (WSPRA). Daniels was recognized for his outstanding contributions to public education with the WSPRA Learning and Liberty Award. He was also named Employee of the Year for PSESD in 2016, and the Anaheim City School District in 2011.
