Key U.S. Education Department Strategist David Hoff Joins Hager Sharp

Hager Sharp welcomes David J. Hoff, a national thought leader and education communications expert, as vice president for the firm's education practice.

“David has dedicated his career to education, working at the highest levels of journalism and policy,” said Garry Curtis, Hager Sharp’s president and CEO. “He will provide informed, thoughtful, and strategic counsel to our clients.”

Hoff served as deputy assistant secretary for communications at the U.S. Department of Education. He worked closely with Secretary Arne Duncan and senior department leaders to design strategic communications plans for Race to the Top and other signature initiatives of President Obama’s administration. Before joining the Department of Education, Hoff was a nationally recognized leader in education journalism as a reporter and editor at Education Week, the leading news source in pre-K–12 education. He covered national and federal policy and spearheaded the newspaper’s use of social media to extend its reach. Most recently, he was vice president for communications and marketing for the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.

“I am excited to join a creative team dedicated to making a difference in education,” Hoff said. “The debate over education policy has never been as intense as it is today, and Hager Sharp plays an essential role by helping leaders tell stories and interpret data so the public and policymakers understand the economic and civic imperative of improving the achievement of America’s children.”

Hager Sharp’s education practice is led by Executive Vice President Debra Silimeo, and includes clients such as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)—often called the Nation’s Report Card; leading international studies such as the Program for International Student Assessment; Educational Testing Service; the National Institute for Early Education Research; the Institute of International Education; and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Hoff brings a wide skill set to his new position, including speechwriting, social media, and publications. At Hager Sharp, he will provide strategic counsel for Hager Sharp’s clients in the public and nonprofit sectors, including NAEP.

Hager Sharp, founded in 1973, is an independent, employee-owned communications firm dedicated to helping people live healthier, safer, and smarter lives. Follow us on Twitter at @HagerSharp and on Facebook.com/HagerSharp.