Dana Peterson is the Assistant Director of Charter School Authorizing at the University of St. Thomas, where she serves as primarily liaison for eight schools, manages new school processes, oversees network collaboration and support activities, and led the board’s recent strategic planning process. Dana is actively involved in the Minnesota Association of Charter School Authorizing as a member of the executive committee and chair of the strategic planning committee. She also serves as the board chair for the newly authorized middle school – Big Picture Twin Cities. Previously, she supported the establishment and growth of a preK-12 charter school system in California, where she served in a variety of capacities including managing the chartering process for two new schools and leading two schools through successful charter renewals. In her free time, Dana enjoys being outdoors, working out, cooking, photography, and walking her chocolate lab.