Janet Swiecichowski, EdD, APR

BUSINESS

Janet reminds us public relations is about relationships. What partnerships and coalitions might you build to achieve your organization’s goals and objectives? How can you teach others to carry your message as ambassadors for your brand? With nearly three decades of experience, this public relations strategist and systems thinker proactively looks ahead, meeting even the most urgent of today’s challenges with a constant focus on the long-term goals of an organization.

For our school clients, Janet understands the complexities and dynamics of education. She began her career in a small school district in Wisconsin before leading communications for the Wayzata Public Schools and then Minnetonka Public Schools for 15 years, both in Minnesota. In each district, she started as a one-person communications office and built teams over time.

Janet has developed national award-winning internal and external communication plans, along with community engagement initiatives. From rolling out new programs to explaining school funding, Janet understands what keeps school leaders up at night and how strategic communication is essential to achieving results. She is a highly-rated speaker for professional associations, including NSPRA, PRSA, AASA and state chapters.

A passionate advocate for equity and excellence in education, Janet believes that local schools hold the future for every community and serve as a vital foundation for democracy. As a counselor and senior advisor, she works collaboratively with school leaders to engage the hearts and minds of parents, staff and communities to support decisions in the best interest of all children.

Janet holds a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the USC Rossier School of Education, with a research focus on employee well-being in public education. She earned a master’s in strategic communication from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s in communication and education from Marquette University. Throughout her career, she’s guided clients in business and education through a wide range of change initiatives using insights and processes from ADKAR, Burke-Litwin, Kotter, Rogers, Fullan, Reeves, and more. As a public relations strategist, she focuses on internal and external stakeholder needs, attitudes and desired actions for success.

FAMILY

Janet and her husband Kurt have been in love for more than 30 years. They have two wonderfully independent adult children, Luke and Michelle. They enjoy traveling, theatre, boating and spending time with family and friends.

COMMUNITY – HONORS and AFFILIATIONS

Accredited in Public Relations (APR). Actively involved in APR mentoring and coaching; served on the national governing board for accreditation from 2006-2014.

Public Relations Society of America, College of Fellows (Class of 2019)

MinnSPRA and WSPRA past-president

Dawn K. McDowell Leadership in Communications Award

NSPRA Gold Medallion Awards (5) for School Referendum and Employee Engagement Campaigns

National School Public Relations Association – presenter at the national seminar 21 years and counting