Daniel Leistikow

Daniel Leistikow - 1994 graduate of Jefferson High School

As a student at Thomas Jefferson High School Daniel Leistikow began his journey of public service while serving on the Student Council, and as president his senior year.  He was also active in speech and debate, and won the state debate championship in 1994. That same year, he and his debate partner finished in the top dozen teams at the national tournament.  Dan credits his parents (Norm and Marty), both retired teachers, with showing him the value of an education and teaching him how to write and think critically.

After high school Dan attended Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.  where he prepared for public service.  One of his first positions was as the chief speechwriter for Washington, D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams. Later Dan worked as Communications Director for Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle, and for the campaign of U.S. Senator Jean Carnahan of Missouri.   In 2008 he worked on the Obama campaign and Presidential Transition Team.  More recently Dan served as Director of Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Energy.