We are thrilled to welcome  to the ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ DC team & family as our new Chief External Affairs Officer! In this role, Dora will join our executive team and provide strategic direction and oversight for our communications, marketing, development, and external-facing teams and efforts.
Dora is a seasoned communications professional with extensive experience in strategic communications, media relations, brand development, and ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ engagement. Her background in managing high-profile events, developing strategic messaging, and leading teams makes her an excellent pick to be the keeper of ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ DC’s storytelling and brand.
Dora comes to ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ DC after more than 20 years working in the government of the District of Columbia – as an educator and communications specialist for DC Public Schools, a public information officer and communications director for DC’s Department of Human Services, and the director of communications for the Deputy Mayor of Public Safety & Justice. She currently serves as communications officer in the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser. She’s a proud graduate of Howard University.
With Dora now on the team, outgoing Chief Strategy & Advancement Officer  will transition out of his role at ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ DC this week. Under Tom’s leadership, ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ DC’s external affairs and organizational effectiveness work has evolved significantly as we’ve grown and responded to a shifting educational landscape. A number of teams and departments have lived within the advancement function over the years, with the current portfolio including development, marketing & communications, culture & operations, executive operations, strategy, and governance.
Over the past 11 years, Tom has led ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ DC’s development efforts raising more than $125 million in philanthropy and grants, played a key role in defining and growing ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ’s brand locally and nationally, activated a network of investors and partners to support our students and alumni, helped our network double in size by funding new campuses and recruiting new students and staff, and remained a constant as we navigated organizational change and unprecedented challenges.
Please join us in thanking Tom for his service to ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ DC and giving Dora a warm welcome to the ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ DC team & family!