ABOUT THE CANDIDATE
Craig
Beckman
As a business owner, public education advocate, and DVUSD parent, Craig is the different kind of leader we need in our community.
Craig was born and raised in a small suburban town in Michigan. At a young age, he learned what it meant to be part of a tight-knit community: to play together, learn together, and support each other. He was raised by loving parents who instilled the values of family, friendship, and helping others.
Craig will be the first to tell you that he struggled throughout his educational journey. He knows what it's like to be the student who is distracted, gets bullied, or is in trouble for being the class clown (those that know him will tell you his sense of humor is a defining characteristic). He'll also be the first to tell you that he wouldn't be where he is today without involved parents, a few good teachers, and positive mentors.
At age 21, Craig moved from Michigan to San Francisco to start a new life, a career, and was lucky enough to meet his beautiful and loving wife, Lindsay. She showed him the meaning of compassion, empathy, and caring about the world around him. Together they started Stoke Interactive, a boutique marketing and web development firm with a focus on small businesses and helping the community around them.
In 2012, Craig and Lindsay moved to Phoenix to be closer to family and start a family of their own. They have two beautiful, smart, talented daughters, Aria and Ella. Both Craig and Lindsay are highly involved in their kids' and the community's education. Stoke Interactive has designed logos for Union Park, Aspire, Inspiration Mountain, and Pathways. Lindsay is a VP on the Union Park PTSA Board, and Craig helps to run the Parents and Guardians of DVUSD Facebook Group. Craig has a passion for keeping parents informed, guiding them through the education system, and going to work for the community when an issue needs to be addressed.
Craig is running for the Deer Valley Unified School District governing board to make a positive impact on the community. He knows the impact a great education can have on an individual and on a community. While he believes that DVUSD is a great school district, he also understands the need for continuous improvement - to make our schools better for every single child, parent, and employee.
Craig is ready to go to work for you and your family. Together, we can build something exceptional.
Professional Experience
2007-Current
Partner / VP Stoke Interactive
Partner and VP, New Business Development and Operations. Helping small businesses within the community thrive.
2018-2019
Director of Marketing, Fox Cub Games
Marketing and project management for premium social casino games working with Sega and The Walking Dead.
2014-2018
Director of Marketing, Strategic Armory Corps
B2B, B2C, and B2G marketing for five premium manufacturers in the defense industry. Experience with government procurement.
2012-2014
Director of Marketing and Sales, FPI Studios
Marketing and sales for commercial photographer.
Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.
Benjamin Franklin
Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.
Marian Wright Edelman
I believe that telling our stories first to ourselves and then to one another and the world, is a revolutionary act.