DMPS Announces Changes in Community Relations Department

Phil Roeder has been hired as Director of Community Relations and Legislative Liaison for Des Moines Public Schools, Superintendent Nancy Sebring announced today.

Roeder served as the district’s Director of Community Relations in 2007-2008. He will return to that role on June 1, 2011, replacing retiring Chief of Staff, Twyla Woods, who has been in charge of the Community Relations department for the past year.

“Phil brings a wealth of public affairs experience to this position and we are excited to have him back as a part of our team at Des Moines Public Schools,” said Dr. Sebring. “He will play an important role in leading our communications efforts and making sure the district is doing more and more to engage the community on the important issues involving our schools and students.”

During his time with the district, Roeder coordinated the district’s centennial recognition, oversaw upgrades to the district’s cable television station, managed several new community outreach efforts, and earned top honors from the National School Public Relations Association for writing and marketing projects. Prior to that he was a member of the Des Moines School Board from 2004-2007, serving one term as president.

Roeder left Des Moines Public Schools to serve as Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications in the office of Governor Chet Culver. He is currently a Special Assistant at the Iowa Department of Education, where he is helping Director Jason Glass organize a new media and communications bureau. In addition, Roeder has been Public Information Director for the Polk County Manager’s Office and was a spokesperson for several public officials including U.S. Senators Tom Harkin (IA) and Max Baucus (MT) and former State Treasurer Pat Quinn (IL).