Peter Cunningham
Peter specializes in messaging, strategy, public affairs communications, and speechwriting. He uses his wide-ranging communication skills in a variety of industries and sectors, including education, health care, land use, violence prevention, and advocacy.
Peter brings to Kivvit decades of experience working for private and public sector clients. He has provided content and insight for Kivvit clients including the Obama Foundation, the Census project, and the Kauffman Foundation.
Prior to joining Kivvit, Peter briefly worked on John Hickenlooper’s presidential campaign and Bill Daley’s campaign for mayor of Chicago. Previously, Peter founded and ran a nonprofit group, Education Post, that advocated for improving public education. Peter served as assistant secretary of education in the U.S. Department of Education during the Obama administration (2009–2012). Before that, he was a consultant to the Chicago Public Schools and to Ariel Capital, a financial services firm in Chicago.
In the 1990s, Peter worked for Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley in several communications roles and also worked for David Axelrod, political consultant and former senior advisor to President Barack Obama. During the 1980s, Peter worked in journalism on the East Coast and in Chicago.
Peter is from New York and now lives in Chicago with his wife. He is the proud parent of two Chicago Public Schools graduates.
Education
- B.A. in philosophy, Duke University
- M.A. in journalism, Columbia University
Boards
- Board member, Great Schools
- Board member, The Montessori School of Englewood
- Board member, Manufacturing Renaissance
- Board member, The National Parents Union
- Board member, Brightbeam