Department of Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks today announced the addition of three new members to his leadership team. Susanna Davis will serve as Legislative Affairs Director for the department, Alicia Davis (no relation) will serve as Legislative Counsel and Mike Daniska is the Director of Policy and Planning.
“All three of these professionals have proven track records as knowledgeable and dedicated public servants,” Secretary Hooks stated. “Their combined experience and knowledge of state government and legislative operations and policy matters are tremendous assets for the department given the plethora and volume of issues that public safety encompasses. We look forward to working with each of them.”
Susanna Davis started at DPS on Monday, Nov. 13. She is a veteran employee of North Carolina government having worked in both the legislative and executive branches. Most recently, she served as the legislative liaison for the Office of State Human Resources and prior to that provided legislative support for the N.C. Forestry Association. She also has worked in the Governor’s Office, North Carolina Community College System, and in multiple roles in the North Carolina General Assembly including serving as legislative assistant to Republican and Democratic members. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
Davis started as legislative counsel for the department on Nov.16. Previously, Davis worked as an associate attorney and document review specialist for several private law firms and there gained advocacy, legislative affairs and lobbying experience. Prior to pursuing a legal career, she worked for the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer as a communications specialist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from North Carolina State University and a Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University.
Mike Daniska has spent the past 11 years working in various positions within the department’s Emergency Management division as a grants manager, homeland security planner, and coordinator for policy and legislative efforts. Since 2014, he has served as the assistant director for Homeland Security and Planning. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in public administration from East Carolina University. In 2011, he also completed the state’s Certified Public Manager program.