About the Donovan Group

The Donovan Group LLC is a communications firm that focuses exclusively on education. We know education. Over the years, we have worked on some of the most critical and urgent issues facing our schools, districts, and educational organizations.

We know that every organization we work with is different, and so is every audience. That is why we always listen, question, and evaluate with an open mind, unrestrained by conventional thinking, and only then work with our clients to decide on a plan for action.

For the last decade, Joe Donovan has worked together with educational leaders on developing new ways of thinking and communicating about education, engaging community members in the challenges and opportunities facing their schools, and fostering ongoing conversations about the future of our schools and students.

This is just the beginning. The Donovan Group is on a mission to make active and ongoing communication central to all educational improvement efforts, because we believe that only through active and ongoing dialogue can we achieve the transparency, credibility, and community engagement that is necessary for success.

Donovan Group LLC Leadership Team

Joe Donovan, President
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A trusted education communications professional, Joe Donovan previously served as a partner and vice president of School Perceptions LLC, an education research firm. Joe has also acted as spokesperson and communications strategist for State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and worked as a director in the office of U.S. Senator Herb Kohl.

Over the years, Joe has provided strategic counsel to dozens of school, district, and government leaders on education issues and has served as a consultant to state legislators, mayors, and numerous members of Congress.

A published education researcher, Joe earned his B.A. degree from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and his M.A. degree in educational policy studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Joe Donovan is a member of the Wisconsin School Public Relations Association, the National Education Writers Association and the National School Public Relations Association.

Steve Bailey, Associate
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Steve Bailey is a communications specialist who has worked with school districts, non-profit organizations and businesses across the country.

Prior to joining Donovan Group LLC, Steve served as the campaign manager of a U.S. Congressional campaign and worked with non-profit advocacy organizations in Wisconsin, Illinois and New York. He also spent a year AmeriCorps, a national service program, serving as a community educator with the University of Wisconsin Extension.

Mr. Bailey holds a Bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and has experience in both print and broadcast journalism. He is currently pursuing a Masters degree in public policy.

Becky Huenink, Associate
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Ranging from project follow-through to editing and proofing documents, Becky is the point of contact for many Donovan Group LLC clients. She also assists with the operations of ProPRcopy LLC.

After receiving her Bachelors degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Becky served as a social worker, assisting individuals with special needs. She also worked with the Wauwatosa School District as a liaison between school staff, parents and business members collaborating toward a safe, united community.

Other Donovan Group partners include writers, graphic artists, and web developers.

The Donovan Group is part of Donovan Group Holdings LLC.