Past degree(s) received and from where:
B.A., Yale University
Most recent position:
Senior Advisor, Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
Prior experience:
From 2004 through 2010, he was at 32BJ SEIU, first as Political Director and later as Chief of Staff. 32BJ represents 120,000 property service workers in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Florida and the District of Columbia. Prior to that he served as Chief of Staff to Brooklyn City Councilmember Bill de Blasio. Peter was Political Director for New York ACORN from 1999 to 2001, where he oversaw successful electoral and legislative campaigns. His other previous work experience included directing a community organizing training institute, serving on Congressmember Nita Lowey’s staff and organizing environmental issue campaigns.
Why I chose Berkeley's MPA program:
I was looking for an experience that would bring me into contact with other senior mission-driven public leaders. The Goldman MPA drew a diverse cohort from around the globe that would challenge me to think about how to lead change in a rapidly-changing world. I also knew that Berkeley offered a rich set of academic and professional resources and talent across disciplines.
Random fact about me:
I'm pursuing my MPA while helping raise 3 beautiful children!
An MPA program or story highlight:
A highlight for me was our group case study presentation based on my classmate's experience planning and launching a successful farmer-owned cooperative development project in Romania. It was great to collaborate with classmates on analyzing and constructing the presentation.
How an MPA will benefit me:
I will have challenged and enriched my own understanding about how large public organizations work and how to drive effective social change. The cohort is building lasting relationships that we will use throughout our future careers.
After graduation:
I am starting a consulting practice to support strategic planning and advocacy campaigns at progressive movement organizations.