Resume
John J. Gallagher, Ed.D.
8 Winterberry Drive
Middle Island, NY 11953
631-294-2279
Dynamic, versatile, and diplomatic arts education leader with a collaborative leadership style, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a sense of humor. Relationship builder with the ability to engage internal and external stakeholders. Strong advocate for students and families from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Compelling national-level speaker with knowledge and skills in all facets of arts education, curriculum & assessment, event planning and implementation, human resources, financial management & facilities operations, technology, and public, government & media relations.
Exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving skills. A team player with personal accountability and resiliency who appreciates the work of others.
Proven record of leadership and communication skills, and managing a complex department & professional associations.
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CORE COMPETENCIES
• Executive Leadership & Organizational Strategy • Community & Stakeholder Engagement
• Arts Education Instruction & Leadership • Event Planning & Management
• Public, Government, & Media Relations • Change Management & Innovation
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EDUCATION
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Administration – Dowling College, Oakdale, NY
• Professional Diploma, School District Administration – University at Stony Brook, NY
• Master of Science, Music Education – Long Island University, Brookville, NY
• Bachelor of Science, Communication Arts – St. John’s University, Jamaica, NY
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EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE
LONGWOOD CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | Middle Island, NY
Director of Music & Fine Arts | BOCES Arts-In-Education Coordinator
• Senior leader overseeing strategic direction, financial planning, & operational execution for a premier K-12 arts education program serving 9,000+ students
• Led organizational change and policy development to ensure program continuity during COVID-19, demonstrating crisis leadership and instructional expertise
• Directly advised the Superintendent and Board of Education on key policy initiatives, compliance, and advocacy strategies
• Managed budgets, fundraising initiatives, and partnerships with business leaders and government agencies to expand program reach and impact
• Spearheaded the NYS Department of Education’s Individual Arts Assessment Pathway (IAAP), driving curriculum innovation & alternative graduation pathways
• Key member of multiple strategic committees, including Legislative Affairs, Professional Development, and Curriculum Advancement
ROCKY POINT UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT | Rocky Point, NY
Department Chair & District Coordinator for Public and Community Relations
• Led strategic planning, program development & stakeholder relations for a district-wide music education program
• Served as primary liaison between the district, media, and community leaders, strengthening public relations and increasing program visibility
HICKSVILLE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT | Hicksville, NY
Administrator for Community Services (2003 – 2004)
• Directed public relations and media engagement strategies for a district serving nine schools, ensuring transparent & effective communication
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BOARD & LEADERSHIP AFFILIATIONS
• Past President, New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education (NYSCAME)
• Director of Public & Media Relations, New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA)
• Advocacy, Membership, Public Relations Committees, Suffolk County Music Educators Association (SCMEA)
• Founder & Education Committee Chair, Long Island Scholar Artist Program
• Advisory Council, Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation’s Holland’s Heroes
• Educational Clinician, Conn-Selmer Division of Education
• Music for All – Program Advocacy & Student Leadership
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KEYNOTE SPEAKING & PRESENTATIONS
• Public Relations, Advocacy and Music Education: Working Hand-in-Hand
Music for All National and Summer Symposia
SUNY Fredonia School of Music (in conjunction with the Sorel Charitable Organization)
Conn-Selmer Institute - Indianapolis, IN (Virtual)
Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL. December, 2023, 2016
NAfME Eastern Division Conference in Pittsburgh, PA; Providence, RI; Hartford, CT
New York and Connecticut All State Conferences
• Marketing Your Music Program - Broken Chord Communications Podcast
• Executive Leadership in School District Arts Programs - SUNY Fredonia
• How School Arts Programs are Faring During COVID-19 - Suffolk NYSCAME Virtual Symposium for Long Island Educators
• The History of Music In Our Schools Month and Advocacy Efforts in New York State - NAfME Webinar
• Presenting the 2017 New York State Learning Standards in the Arts - Various School Districts & NYSCAME-Suffolk Symposium
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PUBLICATIONS & MEDIA CONTRIBUTIONS
• The Instrumentalist – “The Art of Public Relations”
• NAfME’s Teaching Music – “The Advocate: Best Practices in Educational Leadership”
• iHeart Radio Interview – “The Importance of Music in Schools” (Other radio and podcast interviews found on personal website)
• PBS Documentary Feature – “Long Island Scholar Artist Program: A Model for Arts Education Promotion”
• Ed.D. Dissertation: The Attitudes of Music Administrators and Music Educators in Their Role as Advocates for K-12 Music Programs in Selected Regions of
New York State.
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LEADERSHIP IMPACT & INNOVATIONS
• Strategic Expansion & Financial Growth: Spearheaded large-scale initiatives to enhance program sustainability and optimize resources
• Advocacy & Legislative Influence: Directly engaged with policymakers to influence educational policy and secure state-level funding
• Crisis Management & Organizational Resilience: Led district-wide response to COVID-19, ensuring uninterrupted learning and program continuity
• Brand Development & Stakeholder Engagement: Established strong public relations presence through media outreach, strategic partnerships, & digital engagement
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leadership: Championed initiatives ensuring accessibility & representation in arts education for students from diverse backgrounds
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TECHNICAL & DIGITAL PROFICIENCIES
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Digital Engagement & Communications: Social Media Strategy, Public Relations, Brand Development
• Educational Technology & Innovation: Curriculum Design, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Virtual Learning Platforms
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PROGRAM HONORS
• New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Award of Excellence (December, 2022)
• Best Communities for Music Education (North American Music Merchants/NAMM Foundation) 2008-Present
• Curated a 2.5-year cross-curricular project to produce Irving Berlin's Yip! Yip! Yaphank! written in 1918
• Longwood High School recognized by the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (2019)
• Advocacy in Action Award – Music For All, January, 2019. Gold Award for Media Relations Kit
• Featured Article: Poliniak, S. (2016, October). The Advocate. Teaching Music (NAfME) Circulation - 70,000
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PROFESSIONAL HONORS
• School District Administrator Service Award - Suffolk County Organization for the Promotion of Education (SCOPE)
• Honorary Life Membership in Longwood Council of PTAs
• Honorary Life Membership Longwood Chapter of Tri-M Music Honor Society from students