#USA #Washington, D.C. #Whiteboard Advisors #Education PR #Sydni Dunn

Former Louisiana Education Communications Chief Joins Whiteboard Advisors

In a strategic move to bolster its communications prowess, Whiteboard Advisors, a prominent education public relations firm, has welcomed Sydni Dunn as a senior director. The Washington D.C.-based agency, hailed as the leading PR consultancy in the edtech sector by EdTech Digest, aims to leverage Dunn's extensive experience in state education policy to expand its service offerings.

Dunn, who previously held the position of communications director at the Louisiana Department of Education, played a pivotal role in navigating one of the nation's most critical periods for education reform. During her tenure, she acted as the chief spokesperson and key strategist for initiatives including the ambitious Louisiana Believes agenda, which sought to modernize educational curriculums, enhance early literacy education, and broaden access to college and career pathways.

Recognized for her adept communication skills and insight into state-level education policy, Dunn's addition to Whiteboard Advisors arrives at a time when there is increasing demand for clear and compelling narratives around education strategies and reforms. Thomas Rodgers, the senior vice president and head of K-12 communications at Whiteboard Advisors, emphasized the value of Dunn's real-world experience. "There's no substitute for having sat in the seat—managing a legislative session, a contentious board meeting, and a reporter on deadline, sometimes all before lunch. Sydni understands how education policy gets made at the state level and how to communicate it clearly," Rodgers stated.

After departing from the Department of Education, Dunn transitioned into consulting, offering her expertise to education leaders, policymakers, and mission-led organizations. Her career roots as a journalist, which included coverage of academia for The Chronicle of Higher Education, and her role as a director of external affairs for the largest college at Louisiana State University, further enrich her perspective on educational communications.

Dunn joins not just a team of esteemed professionals but a culture at Whiteboard Advisors that prioritizes strategic communication as a tool for meaningful change in the education sector. Alongside former U.S. News & World Report education writer Lauren Camera, Dunn will be part of a rapidly expanding team focused on shaping narratives that connect policy and practice.

Beyond immediate communications efforts, Whiteboard Advisors produces influential publications such as The EdSheet, What We're Reading, and Whiteboard Notes, reaching over 400,000 inboxes monthly. The firm also provides consulting services that include transactional due diligence and policy advocacy, expanding its footprint in the edtech landscape.

Reflecting on her new role, Dunn remarked, "I've seen education communications from many different vantage points, and each has reinforced the importance of connecting policy to the people it's meant to serve. Strategic communications can help leaders navigate change and turn good ideas into better outcomes for children." This sentiment underscores the purpose behind Whiteboard Advisors' approach, which combines deep policy understanding with powerful storytelling.

As educational landscapes continue to evolve, Dunn's expertise will undoubtedly contribute to Whiteboard Advisors’ mission to advance learning and improve economic mobility. With a focus on clear communication, Dunn's addition enhances the firm’s ability to support clients in navigating the complexities of educational reform and public policy.