Dustin is the Community Relations Manager for GPS Education Partners (GPS Ed, www.gpsed.org), an organization scaling work-based learning across the United States. Previously, Dustin has extensive corporate, nonprofit, and political experience with particular focuses on strategic planning, fundraising, and issue advocacy. Originally born in Romania, Dustin was adopted at the age of 2 and brought to the United States. Growing up in rural Wisconsin, Dustin grew up with an appreciation for America, its founding principles, and patriotism. With family involved in civic and community service, Dustin found himself enjoying politics and steered his high school to create the School Board Student Ambassador role which empowered students to directly sit at the table with School Board Members and cast non-binding votes.
After high school, Dustin attended UW Parkside where he earned his BA in Political Science and Criminal Justice. In 2014, Dustin ran for school board at his alma mater and was elected. To this date he remains the youngest elected school board member. Dustin served on the Board of Education until he stepped down in 2021. After college, Dustin pursued career opportunities in nonprofit work which enabled him to learn more about how policy decisions truly impact the empowerment and betterment of society.
Outside of work, Dustin enjoys helping nonprofits and candidates fine-tune messaging, fundraising strategy, and “go-to-market” strategies to empower significant growth and impact. Dustin and his wife are expecting their first child in December 2023 and enjoy traveling, spending time with their Goldendoodle, and volunteering with organizations across their community.