​​​​Valerie S. Goode

Oakland Unified School District

Deputy Chief, Communications & Public Affairs

2016 - present

​

Serve as principal advisor to the Superintendent, Board of Education and Leadership Team regarding strategic communications, intergovernmental relations, and community engagement around District-wide initiatives.  Key member of Executive Leadership Team who collaborates with key stakeholders to set the vision for and lead the Communications & Public Affairs Division in the ongoing development of a unified, positive district brand.

​

• Responsible for strategic communications including internal and external communications, media relations, digital presence (website and social media), translation, KDOL TV and marketing initiatives.

 

• Leads efforts around governmental relations. Focused primarily on state government advocacy, and includes serving as the liaison and advocate with local and regional government agencies, as well as the federal government on all legislative and funding advocacy matters.

​

• Provides leadership to district-wide community engagement efforts that cover all strategic initiatives requiring community-wide input and engagement.

​

Broward County Public Schools

Director, Marketing & Communications

​2013 - 2016

 

Provided strategic leadership and daily guidance to the 20+ employees that make up the governmental affairs, community relations, graphic design, customer service and strategic communications teams.

 

• Led the effort to refresh and modernize the look and feel of BCPS communications, website and events to align with the district’s brand promise. Resources created included: style guides, communications standards and guidelines, marketing tools and a web-based center to house all materials and log requests for assistance.

 

• Worked with staff to plan and produce a number of annual community engagement and employee recognition events, such as Conversation with the District, Ed Talk (400+ attendees), Community Involvement Awards (700+ attendees) and the Caliber Awards (1,300+ attendees).

 

• Initiated and assembled a multidisciplinary team aimed to increase and retain student enrollment through marketing and outreach efforts.

 

• Inspired the Marketing & Communications staff to work to their best potential by supporting their ideas and providing training, support and evaluation as needed.

 

Gallup

Senior Communication Consultant

​2008 - 2013

 

Team leader, communication T&TA expert, content developer and project manager on Gallup’s Strategic Communication Team. 

 

• Directed the Partnership, Packaging & Distribution Tasks for the $5 million Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Underage Drinking Prevention National PSA Campaign, Talk. They Hear You.

 

• Directed T&TA efforts and provided counsel, leadership, and project management to school districts across the country for the $15 million SAMHSA Knowledge, Application and Transfer for Youth Violence and Suicide Prevention Contract.

 

• Provided communication expertise and support to Gallup consulting teams implementing Employee Engagement strategies for education, government, enterprise and healthcare clients.

 

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Health Communication Specialist II,III

​2002 - 2008

 

Designed, implemented, and directed innovative communication and social marketing campaigns, including culturally competent education programs for the Massachusetts Diabetes Prevention and Control Program.  Conceived and developed effective evidence-based communication initiatives and applied qualitative research methods to inform and evaluate communication activities.

 

• Culturally adapted and designed communication tools for members of the state’s diverse populations including: African-American, Latino, Cape Verdean, Haitian and Portuguese-speaking residents.

 

• Planned and participated in events such as health fairs, expos, conferences and press conferences.