Peter Cunningham

Peter Cunningham Peter has a account Education Advocate Chicago, Illinois 500+ connections Contact info Education Post – Better Conversation, Better Education Columbia University About After four great years working in Washington for the Obama administration as the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Outreach in the U.S. Department of Education, Peter Cunningham has returned to Chicago full-time and is currently running Education Post--a national non-profit--http://educationpost.org. Articles 568 followers Weapons vs. People Peter’s profile photo Peter Cunningham Published on LinkedIn Trump is pushing a budget that boosts defense spending by $54B while cutting domestic programs by a similar amount. Progressives must counter with an equally dramatic proposal: 50% cut in defense spending and a comparable increase in domestic spending. The choice is clear: weapons vs. people. Keep it simple, stay on message and don't move an inch. As a country we spend more on defense than the next seven countries combined. Education is the defense industry of the 21st century. Training people for the jobs of the future, rather than false promises about jobs of the past, is the only hope for the huge percentage of America that is falling behind in the global economy. We can invest in weapons or we can invest in ourselves. The choice is crystal clear. 2 Likes Like Comment Share See all Experience Education Post – Better Conversation, Better Education Executive Director Company NameEducation Post – Better Conversation, Better Education Dates EmployedJun 2014 – Present Employment Duration5 yrs 3 mos LocationChicago Education Post is a national non-profit focused on driving needed change in public education by elevating the voices of parents, teachers, students and others who are passionate about schools and believe in the power of public education to change lives. Over the last three years we have built a national network of people on all sides of the issues who have generated thousands of blogs, articles and videos highlighting results, challenging falsehoods, and encouraging collaboration and progress in education. Cunningham Creative President Company NameCunningham Creative Dates EmployedDec 2012 – Present Employment Duration6 yrs 9 mos LocationChicago While I still have a Chicago-based consulting company, it is mostly inactive right now. U. S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary for Communications and Outreach Company NameU. S. Department of Education Dates EmployedJan 2009 – Nov 2012 Employment Duration3 yrs 11 mos LocationWashington D.C. As a Presidential appointee confirmed by the Senate, I managed a staff of more than 100 people and a budget of $5 million. Responsible for communications strategy and message development for the U.S. Department of Education. Served as a policy advisor to the Secretary of Education, briefing him on a daily basis. Periodically briefed the President and worked directly with senior White House staff on policy and communications issues. See less Cunningham Communications President Company NameCunningham Communications Dates EmployedJan 1997 – Dec 2008 Employment Duration12 yrs LocationChicago Founder and president of a Chicago public affairs consulting firm serving public, private and non-profit clients, including Chicago-based money management firm, Ariel Capital Management, the Chicago Public Schools, various agencies of local government in Chicago, and several non-profit groups. For four years I was affiliated with Chicago political consultant David Axelrod, working on state and local campaigns across the country. See less Office of the Mayor, City of Chicago Head Speechwriter, Assistant to the Mayor Company NameOffice of the Mayor, City of Chicago Dates EmployedMay 1991 – Dec 1996 Employment Duration5 yrs 8 mos LocationChicago Head speechwriter for Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, writing major speeches, statements, press materials, key correspondence, etc. In the last 18 months, I served as a senior assistant to the Mayor overseeing various issues, including crime, transportation, tourism, and communications. Illinois Attorney General's Office Head Speechwriter Company NameIllinois Attorney General's Office Dates EmployedMar 1990 – May 1991 Employment Duration1 yr 3 mos LocationChicago Wrote speeches for the Illinois Attorney General Finance Committee, Chicago City Council Staff Writer Company NameFinance Committee, Chicago City Council Dates EmployedMay 1989 – Mar 1990 Employment Duration11 mos LocationChicago Worked for Finance Chairman Edward Burke on a variety of writing projects. Various Publications Journalist Company NameVarious Publications Dates EmployedJun 1982 – May 1989 Employment Duration7 yrs LocationEast Coast/Chicago Worked as a journalist for various east coast and midwest publications, including the National Law Journal, the Southampton Press, Advertising Age and Crain's Chicago Business. Show fewer experiences Education Columbia University Columbia University Degree NameMasters of Journalism Dates attended or expected graduation 1981 – 1982 Duke University Duke University Degree NamePhilosophy (BA) Field Of StudyPhilosophy Dates attended or expected graduation 1975 – 1980