Our mission is grounded in the belief that exceptional communication builds lasting trust and is essential for schools to thrive.
Our firm was founded in 2004 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For several years, we focused on serving the needs of public schools and districts in our home state. Later, we took what we learned to expand to other states, starting with Iowa, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Today, we serve school and district leaders across the country. Along the way, we’ve added many truly talented and passionate education communication and school PR professionals to our team.
While the Donovan Group continues to grow, we remain true to our core principles of helping schools, school districts, and educational organizations tell their stories, engage their stakeholders, and deliver the best possible opportunities to their students.
Our Team
Steve Bailey
Partner
Steve oversees the Donovan Group's operations, including the firm’s strategy, design and branding, social media, video, and survey and research teams. He has nearly two decades of experience supporting the communication efforts of public schools, districts, and educational organizations across the country.
Before joining the firm in 2009, Steve served as campaign manager for a U.S. Congressional campaign and was a community educator with the University of Wisconsin Extension. He also spent several years as president and executive editor of the Donovan Group’s sister company, ProPRcopy.
Steve holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and has experience in print and broadcast news reporting. He has also served on the Minneapolis Parks Foundation Board of Directors and been involved with several nonprofit organizations.
Steve Bailey
Partner
Jerry Gallagher
Partner
Jerry serves as a Donovan Group partner, overseeing the firm’s national strategy to support public schools and their communication needs.
Before joining the Donovan Group in 2018, Jerry spent 18 years as a broadcast journalist. He earned a Midwest Regional EMMY in 2015 for a story about his father’s trip on an Honor Flight. He also received several other EMMY nominations over the years for his reporting on topics like public education.
Outside of work, Jerry enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
Jerry Gallagher
Partner
Liam Goldrick
Partner
As a Donovan Group partner since 2019, Liam specializes in communications, public relations, and strategic support for public schools and education organizations nationwide. With more than 25 years of experience in education policy and communications, Liam has developed expertise in strategic messaging, crisis communications, community engagement, and public policy and advocacy.
Before joining the Donovan Group, Liam served as policy director for the New Teacher Center, a national nonprofit committed to building a resilient, modern educator workforce. He previously served as education policy advisor to Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle and as senior education policy analyst at the National Governors Association. Earlier in his career, he worked in Vermont state government and politics.
Liam graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science from Boston College and a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Liam is proud of his family’s deep ties to public education. His son is a freshman at the University of Pittsburgh, and his daughter attends a public high school in the School District of Philadelphia. His wife, Kristen Murray, is a professor, associate dean, and interim dean of the Temple University Beasley School of Law for the 2025-26 academic year.
Outside of work, Liam enjoys travel, cycling, food, music, soccer, and spending time with family.
Liam Goldrick
Partner
Dr. Lori Mueller
Partner
Dr. Mueller serves as a partner at the Donovan Group. She specializes in leading communications and community engagement for school districts and divisions across the country. With 26+ years of experience in education, Dr. Mueller has developed expertise in educational leadership, strategic planning, crisis communications, and community engagement needed for successful referendum and bond efforts.
Before joining the Donovan Group, Dr. Mueller served six years as superintendent of the School District of Baraboo in central Wisconsin. In that time, she led significant continuous school improvement through district strategic planning processes. She also led efforts to engage community members in successfully passing the two largest capital referendums in her district’s history, totaling $63.65 million.
In addition to her experiences as a superintendent, Dr. Mueller has served as a teacher and director of curriculum and instruction. She has presented at regional, state, and national conferences on a variety of educational leadership topics, including her personal story of leading her school community through a crisis that received international attention.
Dr. Mueller holds an Ed.D. from Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin. She also received a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a bachelor’s degree in French and health education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Outside of work, Dr. Mueller enjoys living a Florida lifestyle with family and friends. She and her husband seek time to travel and marvel at the world together while providing love and support for their grown daughter.
Dr. Lori Mueller
Partner
Brian Nicol
Partner
Brian joined Donovan Group as a partner in 2023. He serves school districts in Wisconsin and Illinois, specializing in strategic communication consulting, survey research, and referendum community engagement campaigns.
Before joining Donovan Group, Brian served as director of communications for the Howard-Suamico School District for nine years and a sixth grade math teacher for eight. Nicol and HSSD won the Wisconsin School Public Relations Association’s top honor, the Lighthouse Award, in 2015 and 2020. The district was also recognized with a Gold Medallion award from the National School Public Relations Association for its successful 2018 operational referendum campaign, conducted in partnership with Donovan Group.
Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in human biology from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Marian University. His wife, Marie, is a kindergarten teacher, and they are proud parents of William (21) and Mollie (8). Outside of work, Brian enjoys strategy board games, playing golf, and reading science fiction.
Brian Nicol
Partner
Katelyn Adams
Director of Communication Strategy
As Director of Communication Strategy, Katelyn helps lead the firm’s team of Communication Strategists. In this role, she partners with public schools and districts across the country, overseeing quality control, managing projects, developing content, and delivering a wide range of communication services.
Before joining Donovan Group, Katelyn held positions in public relations, marketing, and education. She has also served on multiple committees and boards, with a focus on project management and strategic communication planning.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in corporate communication and business from Buena Vista University.
Outside of work, Katelyn enjoys spending time with her husband and their three boys. Together, they love boating, golfing, attending sporting events, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Katelyn Adams
Director of Communication Strategy
Derrick Docket
Director of Branding & Design
As Director of Design & Branding, Derrick Docket helps public schools and districts tell their stories through marketing, content creation, graphic design, branding, communication planning, and video production.
Before joining the Donovan Group, Derrick served as director of marketing for The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum. Prior to that, he was the chief communications officer and director of marketing for the Wentzville School District in Missouri. There, he created and launched an advertising and sponsorship program that partnered with local businesses to support student-centered activities and athletic programs. He also led a logo and brand refresh during a district strategic planning process and designed new logos and branding for new schools.
Earlier in his career, Derrick oversaw and produced digital social media, graphic design, live video streaming, and other digital content for the NCAA Division I Missouri Valley Conference. He also has experience working with advertising and direct marketing agencies.
Derrick holds a bachelor’s degree in art and design from Missouri State University.
Derrick Docket
Director of Branding & Design
Katie Drida
Director of Social Media
As Director of Social Media, Katie leads a team of social media professionals who focus on highlighting the stories, celebrations, and community connections that make each school district unique. She focuses on creating engaging content that resonates with students, families, staff, and community members, helping schools share their pride and accomplishments in meaningful ways.
Before joining the Donovan Group, Katie earned a bachelor’s degree in English Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where she gained a strong foundation in both teaching and communication. She spent seven years in public education teaching middle and high school English language arts. She has also held communication roles with educational support teams, extracurricular groups, sports teams, and nonprofit organizations. These experiences allowed her to bring together her love of writing, design, and relationship building.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband, Dan, their four children—three boys and one girl—and their two dogs. As a family, they are proud Green Bay Packers fans, love attending soccer games, and enjoy spending quality time together.
Katie Drida
Director of Social Media
Ben Gallagher
Director of Video Services
As Director of Video Services, Ben leads the creation of compelling visual content for school districts across the country. A skilled storyteller and creative producer, he crafts videos that highlight the heart of education, celebrate student achievements, showcase innovative programs, and capture the energy of special events and extracurricular activities. His work plays a vital role in helping school districts connect with their communities and communicate their unique identities.
Since joining the Donovan Group in 2020, Ben’s video projects have garnered national acclaim. His work has earned several prestigious honors, including an Award of Excellence from The Communicator Awards in 2025.
Originally from Storm Lake, Iowa, Ben now resides in northeast Iowa. Outside of the editing suite, Ben enjoys quality time with family and friends, listening to new music, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Ben Gallagher
Director of Video Services
Amanda Getgen
Director of Marketing
Amanda serves as the Donovan Group’s marketing director, assisting with sales, marketing, advertising, and new client outreach. Previously, she was a communications strategist at the firm for 2 years.
Before joining the Donovan Group, Amanda served as communications coordinator for the Tomah Area School District. She received the 2022 Wisconsin School Public Relations Association Lighthouse Award, along with four Awards of Excellence from WSPRA for her thorough and eye-catching work.
Before finding her passion in school communications, Amanda served in the United States Army. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design.
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family and giving back to her local community and schools.
Amanda Getgen
Director of Marketing
Tracy Jentz
Director of Survey Research
As Director of Survey Research, Tracy provides both a research and communications perspective, asking questions, providing insight, and helping find solutions. She has a deep passion for public education, along with collecting and using data to inform decision making.
Before joining the Donovan Group, Tracy spent over 10 years as the communications coordinator for one of the largest school systems in North Dakota, where she provided strategic communications and research focus through her award-winning work. She has presented at several state and national school communications conferences and served a three-year term on the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Executive Board.
Tracy holds a master’s degree in sociology and a bachelor’s degree in communication, both from the University of North Dakota. She has also obtained Accreditation in Public Relations (APR).
Alongside her professional commitments, she enjoys time with her dog, Poppy, and her family, including two public school students she is proud to call her niece and nephew.
Tracy Jentz
Director of Survey Research
Brooke Pisciotto
Director of Communication Strategy
Brooke serves as Director of Communication Strategy, helping lead the firm’s team of communication strategists. In this role, she oversees our efforts to help public schools and districts share their stories through strategic communication planning, compelling written content, graphic design, social media, video, and more.
Before joining the Donovan Group, Brooke taught fifth-grade English language arts, serving on her school improvement team and co-sponsoring the art club. Her background in education includes additional experience as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher.
Brooke holds a bachelor’s degree in English with honors from Roosevelt University, along with a minor in philosophy. She also attended Bradley University, where she served as an assistant editor at The Bradley Scout, writing and editing stories on a wide range of topics. In addition, she has experience as a freelance writer.
Outside of work, Brooke is passionate about supporting the arts, from live music to museums. She also enjoys freelance graphic design and creative writing in her free time.
Brooke Pisciotto
Director of Communication Strategy
Lindsay Cota
Human Resources Manager
Lindsay serves as the human resources manager at the Donovan Group, specializing in recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance coaching, benefits, and compliance. She has worked in the HR field in some capacity since 2006, supporting large corporations and small businesses.
Before joining the Donovan Group, Lindsay’s human resources experience was developed working for companies such as Target, Mindstream Media, and Rally Appraisal.
Lindsay holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering for her school district and keeping up with her four kids.
Lindsay Cota
Human Resources Manager
Samantha Ballew
Communication Strategist
Samantha Ballew works with public schools and districts nationwide as a communication strategist. Her work focuses on content creation, writing and editing, social media strategy, and a range of other communication services.
Before joining the Donovan Group, Samantha served as a public relations specialist for a school district in Arkansas. In that role, she led the development of the district’s first strategic communication plan, aligning branding, messaging, and community engagement to help the district share its story more effectively. Her leadership in strategic communication contributed to the district earning five National School Public Relations Association awards.
Samantha holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business and public relations from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas. Outside of work, she enjoys photography, working with horses, and spending time with family.
Samantha Ballew
Communication Strategist
Maura Bellew
Communication Strategist
Maura Bellew is a communication strategist at the Donovan Group, where she partners with public schools to share their stories through content that informs, connects, and reflects each district’s mission and values. She has built expertise in strategic storytelling, content creation, public relations, and social media management.
Prior to joining the Donovan Group, Maura served as a communications specialist for the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District. There, she supported district-wide communication efforts by producing and distributing brand-aligned content, including news releases, newsletters, and social media posts.
Maura is a passionate communications professional who values building meaningful connections. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
Outside of work, Maura enjoys connecting with her growing social media audience by sharing content that captures her travel adventures.
Maura Bellew
Communication Strategist
Tyler Brunner
Video Specialist
As a video specialist, Tyler blends visual storytelling with captivating videos to help tell the stories of schools and districts nationwide. His primary role includes capturing footage and editing and producing attention-grabbing video content for our clients.
Before joining Donovan Group, Tyler was a sports broadcaster in Carroll, Iowa, providing sports coverage for 10 area school districts, sharpening his communication and video skills in the process. He was also a digital marketing specialist at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, where he gained valuable skills in digital marketing and social media management.
Tyler holds a bachelor's degree in digital media from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa.
Tyler Brunner
Video Specialist
Emma Halupnik
Social Media Strategist
As a social media strategist, Emma works with public schools and districts to help engage their students and communities through social media.
Before joining the Donovan Group, Emma was a digital marketing manager for a restaurant in the Des Moines area, where she oversaw the company’s entire social media presence. She’s able to leverage her experience in marketing and brand storytelling to benefit schools and districts on a daily basis.
Emma graduated from Indian Hills Community College with a degree in interactive media technology.
Emma Halupnik
Social Media Strategist
Vanessa Hamlett
Communication Strategist
Vanessa serves as a communication strategist at the Donovan Group. With two years of experience in communications, Vanessa has developed expertise in strategic communication, digital and social media strategy, and branding and storytelling.
Before joining the Donovan Group, Vanessa worked as a software developer at RFA Engineering, where she gained valuable team experiences and advanced her technical skills. Additionally, she completed a prestigious internship with the National Security Agency in Maryland.
Vanessa holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Buena Vista University.
Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and designing and completing home improvement and DIY projects.
Vanessa Hamlett
Communication Strategist
Jenny Hayward
Communication Strategist
As a communication strategist, Jenny helps schools and districts engage their communities through content writing and editing, social media management, strategy, and more.
Before joining the Donovan Group, she served as communications director for the Willow Springs School District in southern Missouri, where she found her passion for public education. With an extensive background in marketing and public relations, Jenny has had the opportunity to work in industries such as college athletics, professional sports teams, broadcasting, marketing agencies, and government. A proud alumna of Northwest Missouri State University, Jenny graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in mass media.
Jenny Hayward
Communication Strategist
Holly Henderson
Lead Graphic Designer
Holly Henderson works with public schools and districts across the United States, assisting with efforts related to content creation, communication planning, visual storytelling, social media, graphic design, crisis communication and more.
Before joining the Donovan Group, Holly served as marketing and communication specialist for the School District of Baraboo. She received the 2019 Wisconsin School Public Relations Association Lighthouse Award, along with 10 Awards of Excellence and four Awards of Merit from WSPRA.
A well-respected school communication professional in Wisconsin, Holly has presented and served as a keynote speaker at numerous conferences and events. Before serving in school communication, she was a copy editor and advertising executive for Capital Newspapers. Holly received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Holly Henderson
Lead Graphic Designer
Hannah Hoenig
Communication Strategist
As a communication strategist, Hannah is dedicated to helping school districts thrive through effective communication and community engagement. With over five years of experience in marketing, communications, and brand strategies, she is passionate about leveraging her skills to create meaningful connections between schools and their communities.
Hannah’s journey in marketing and communications began as a marketing specialist for the Fort Madison Community School District in Iowa. There, she received the Blue and Gold Award for Excellence in Writing from the Iowa School Public Relations Association (ISPRA) and received nine Awards of Excellence for her innovative and impactful advertising content. Hannah has also served as a director of marketing and brand strategy at Connection Bank, where she enhanced the company’s overall brand presence and communication strategies.
Hannah graduated from Kirkwood Community College with a degree in marketing management.
In her free time, she enjoys diving into art and DIY projects, traveling, enjoying the outdoors, and choreographing for local dance teams.
Hannah Hoenig
Communication Strategist
Brian Hoey
Video Specialist
As a video specialist, Brian helps public schools and districts share their stories and bring to life the amazing things happening in their buildings, classrooms, and communities. His primary roles include capturing footage, editing, and producing attention-grabbing video content for our clients.
Before joining the Donovan Group, Brian worked in Los Angeles as a video editor, working on projects ranging from commercials to feature films.
Originally from Orange County, California, Brian graduated from Long Beach State University, majoring in Film & Video. He currently lives in Des Moines, Iowa, with his wife, Maria, and two boys, Luca and Beckham.
Brian Hoey
Video Specialist
Becky Huenink
Senior Project Manager
Serving as the point of contact for many Donovan Group clients, Becky is in charge of project follow-through and document editing and proofing.
After receiving her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Becky served as a social worker in which she assisted individuals with special needs. She also worked with the Wauwatosa School District as a liaison between school staff, parents, and business members collaborating toward a safe, united community.
Becky Huenink
Senior Project Manager
Ethan James
Video Specialist
As a video specialist, Ethan brings creativity, technical expertise, and a strong sense of storytelling to every project he takes on. Since joining the company in 2023, he has produced a wide range of video content that blends engaging visuals with clear communication, earning recognition and award nominations along the way.
Known for his ability to connect with people and capture authentic stories, Ethan helps elevate the company’s message and expand its reach through impactful video production.
Ethan is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Interactive Digital Communication. His academic background provided a strong foundation in both media production and strategic communication, skills he has carried into his professional work. Originally from Storm Lake, Iowa, Ethan now resides in North Texas, where he continues to help the company grow and connect with new communities.
Outside of work, Ethan enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors. He is passionate about basketball, music, and cheering on Iowa Hawkeyes sports.
Ethan James
Video Specialist
Morgan Klingbeil
Communication Strategist
Morgan serves as a communication strategist at the Donovan Group, helping schools share their stories and strengthen connections with their communities. She provides content writing and editing, project management, social media management, strategy, and a range of other communication services for public schools and districts daily.
Before joining the Donovan Group in 2023, Morgan worked as a marketing coordinator at Iowa Lakes Community College, where she managed marketing projects to meet the college's brand guidelines, assisted with social media management, and provided photography.
Morgan earned a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors with her husband and two dogs, and providing photography services through her small business, Circle M Photography.
Morgan Klingbeil
Communication Strategist
Jake Kurtz
Communication Strategist
Jake Kurtz serves as a communication strategist who specializes in bond, referendum, and ballot measure projects for public schools and districts nationwide.
Before joining the Donovan Group in 2023, Jake spent 16 years as a newspaper editor and reporter in the Midwest, including tenures at the Des Moines Register, Pulitzer Prize-winning Storm Lake Times, and the DeForest Times-Tribune. He has received several honors for government and education reporting, and is a past recipient of the Iowa Newspaper Association’s Genevieve Mauck Stoufer Outstanding Young Journalist Award.
Jake is a proud alumnus of Iowa Central Community College and the University of Iowa, where he studied journalism and political science.
Away from work, Jake enjoys time with family and friends, and keeping a scorebook at baseball games.
Jake Kurtz
Communication Strategist
Kimberly McClelland
Social Media Strategist
Kimberly serves as a social media strategist at the Donovan Group, where she helps K-12 schools and districts share their stories through thoughtful social media strategy and content creation. She has a background in social media management, marketing, and photography, and enjoys using creative visuals to share authentic stories.
Before joining the Donovan Group, Kimberly worked in several marketing and social media roles. Most notably, she served as marketing coordinator for the Kentucky Center for Grieving Children and Families, where she oversaw social media, newsletters, and fundraising campaigns while mentoring a team of interns. In this role, she developed strategies that significantly increased community engagement and donor support.
Kimberly earned a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Strategic Communication with a minor in Business from the University of Kentucky. Outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors in nature, spending time with her dog, and watching hockey.
Kimberly McClelland
Social Media Strategist
Becca Ploch
Project Assistant
As a Project Assistant, Becca helps with a wide variety of needs and projects for public schools and districts nationwide. Before joining the Donovan Group, she served as a marketing manager for a salon and a customer service representative for a boutique bank. During her time in these positions, she was able to enhance her skills in content creation and communications.
Growing up, Becca was able to see public education in different forms from her mother, who was a teacher and is now a principal, and her father, who was a school communications specialist. In her free time, Becca enjoys reading and being out on the golf course with her husband, Joey. Becca holds bachelor's degrees in marketing and supply chain management from the UW-Milwaukee Sheldon B. Lubar School of Business.
Becca Ploch
Project Assistant
Emily Rojas
Communication Strategist
As a communication strategist, Emily works with public schools and districts across the United States to help them tell their stories, engage their communities, and communicate effectively.
Before joining the Donovan Group, Emily served as director of communications for Dalton Public Schools. During her time there, the district received seven gold awards from the Georgia School Public Relations Association (GSPRA), including two Best in Category awards for special events and social media.
Emily is passionate about public education and enjoys helping share the amazing things happening in schools and districts every day. She holds a bachelor's degree in public relations from Lee University.
Emily Rojas
Communication Strategist
Isaiah Smith
Communication Strategist
As a communication strategist, Isaiah Smith collaborates with public schools and districts nationwide, helping them craft compelling narratives, foster community engagement, and master effective communication practices.
His journey in communications began as a sports journalist, where he earned several state-level awards for his exceptional storytelling and coverage of athletic events.
Prior to joining the Donovan Group, Isaiah served as a digital communications specialist with the Douglas County School System. There, he oversaw the district's digital footprint to create a unified and impactful experience for visitors. His work helped the district earn several awards from the Georgia School Public Relations Association (GSPRA) across numerous categories.
Isaiah holds a bachelor's degree in mass communication from Georgia College and State University.
Isaiah Smith
Communication Strategist
Ella Stockwell
Communication Strategist
Ella Stockwell works with public schools and districts across the country as a communication strategist. She provides content writing and editing, project management, social media management, and a wide range of other communication services to our clients on a daily basis.
Prior to joining the Donovan Group, Ella served as a social media assistant where she shared a client’s story on social media, provided photography, and offered counsel on best practices in social media management.
Ella holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Saint Joseph’s College.
In her free time, Ella enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and walking her dog, Romeo.
Ella Stockwell
Communication Strategist
Michele Yates-Wickus
Senior Associate
Michele has 30 years of experience in public service and education. Before joining the Donovan Group, she was a social worker, special education teacher, alternative education coordinator, principal and director of special education and student services for a school district.
Michele’s experience working within systems in education and other community collaborators has been at the forefront of her career. She has specialized in special education programming and differentiation. She has also extensively trained in Title IX and supported districts in investigations and outcomes that support all involved. Michele has guided districts through OCR complaints and investigations, helping them achieve compliance and positive outcomes.
Michele holds a bachelor's degree in sociology/psychology from the University of Utah and received a master’s degree in educational leadership from Edgewood College.
Michele Yates-Wickus
Senior Associate
Emily Williams
Communication Strategist
As a communication strategist, Emily collaborates with public schools and districts nationwide to help tell their stories, foster community engagement, and enhance overall communication. She focuses on content creation, communication planning, marketing, strategy, and more.
Emily brings extensive experience from her tenure in higher education, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing institutional communication strategies while serving as executive assistant to the president. She has worked with universities and community colleges to streamline internal and external messaging, while fostering meaningful connections with students, faculty, and community members. Her expertise extends to roles in marketing and economic development.
Emily holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Advertising from Iowa State University. She is also pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree from Northwest Missouri State University.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. Together, they enjoy golfing, camping, and boating.
Emily Williams
Communication Strategist
Joe Donovan
Founding Partner
As founding partner, Joe assists in overseeing all facets of the Donovan Group while working with the firm's accountants, attorney, and chief financial officer on its financial operations.
In the company's earlier days, Joe worked with hundreds of schools and districts on their communications efforts. He previously advised state superintendents, state legislators, mayors, and members of Congress. Joe has received many state and national awards over the years, including the Award of Special Recognition for Service to Wisconsin by the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators, Recognition of Service to the State of Wisconsin and Public Education by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, and the Outstanding Alumnus Award issued by the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, School of Social Work.
Prior to founding the Donovan Group, Joe was a partner in and the vice president of an education research firm. He was also the spokesperson at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and worked as a director in the office of US Senator Herb Kohl.
Joe earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a master's degree in educational policy studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.