John-Michael Gonzales, MPH

Manager, External Affairs and Communications

352.294.9154 • jmgonzales@coe.ufl.edu

John-Michael Gonzales serves as the External Affairs and Communications Manager at the Lastinger Center for Learning. By email, website, tweet, or press release, John-Michael and his team endeavor to make sure education leaders nationwide learn about the buffet of ways the Lastinger Center helps educators and their students learn, grow, and thrive. He also works closely with UF Government and Community Relations to enable the Lastinger Center to adapt swiftly in the ever-evolving landscape of public policy.

Previously, John-Michael spent 10 years with the Florida Department of Health conducting communications, professional development, grant management, and program development work as a state policy manager for their Tobacco Free Florida program. He loves making big ideas digestible for all audiences and is passionate about helping professionals find purpose in their work.

John-Michael has a bachelor’s degree in organizational communication and marketing from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Florida. He has conducted further graduate studies in science and health communication in the UF College of Journalism and Communications. In his free time, John-Michael enjoys playing tabletop games with friends and adores taking long walks with his spouse and twin daughters in Alachua County’s scenic parks*.

*unless it is very, very hot.