Dana Peterson

Deputy Superintendent of External Affairs, Recovery School District

Dana Peterson is the Deputy Superintendent of External Affairs for the Recovery School District, a special district of the Louisiana Department of Education charged with an unprecedented challenge and opportunity to tackle and transform chronically underperforming schools in Louisiana. As a member of the Superintendent's executive team, Peterson is tasked with crafting strategies for parent and stakeholder engagement and developing effective communication strategies for key Recovery School District policies and initiatives. Prior to joining the Recovery School District, Dana served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of FirstLine Schools, a mission-driven, non-profit charter school management organization dedicated to creating and inspiring great public schools in New Orleans. While serving as Board Chair of FirstLine Schools, Peterson led the charge to build community support for the transformation of Joseph S. Clark High School in the historic Treme community in New Orleans. FirstLine Schools forged a unique partnership with the Clark High School alumni, educators, parents, and community members to develop a community engagement process that created a shared vision for a cohesive school community with increased academic performance of its students as its primary goal. Dana is one of the founding members and served as Chairman of the Charter Board Council of New Orleans. Dana holds a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Economics from the University of Houston. He is married to Karen Carter Peterson, a member of the Louisiana State Senate. They live in New Orleans and are active members of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church.