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Nominated by: Minnesota School Public Relations Association
With more than 25 years of experience in communications and public affairs, Celi Haga, APR, is known throughout Minnesota and across the school communication profession as a leader who brings strategy, empathy and action together in powerful ways. As chief of staff and executive director of strategic communications for Eastern Carver County Schools, she serves as a trusted advisor to district leadership, guiding communications, community engagement and organizational strategy while helping strengthen trust, transparency and connection across the communities the district serves.
In 2021 and 2025, Haga led successful district referendum campaigns that engaged communities around important decisions impacting local schools. Most recently, she developed and executed a comprehensive communications strategy focused on transparency, community engagement and understanding. As part of that effort, she created The ECCS Difference, a campaign highlighting what sets Eastern Carver County Schools apart while serving as a foundation for future enrollment marketing and community engagement efforts. The 2025 referendum was approved in all four communities served by the district with 62% voter support, reflecting the effectiveness of the district's outreach and engagement efforts.
“Celi is not only the architect of our district’s communications strategy, but also a trusted leader and a steady voice in times of challenge,” said Eastern Carver County Schools Superintendent Dr. Erin Rathke and Assistant Superintendent Nate Manaen.
Haga’s leadership has also helped shape how the district responds to complex issues. She played a key role in developing Eastern Carver County Schools’ Identity Harm Protocol, a framework designed to support students, staff and families while strengthening transparency and trust. Haga's leadership was especially evident during a period of significant uncertainty for many students and families across Minnesota. As school districts worked to understand and respond to evolving federal immigration enforcement actions, she helped guide her district's communications and operational response, ensuring families and staff had access to timely information, resources and support. Recognizing that school communicators across the state were facing similar questions, she also convened peer discussions through MinnSPRA, bringing together more than 100 communications professionals to share information, exchange strategies and support one another during a rapidly changing situation.
Her commitment to service goes well beyond her professional role. As chair of the Carver County Community Development Agency, Haga helps oversee affordable housing and economic development initiatives that support residents throughout the county. She has also applied her communications expertise to strengthen community outreach and engagement efforts across the organization.
Haga is equally passionate about creating opportunities for young people to feel connected and supported. She founded Chaska Pride, a family- and youth-focused community event designed to create belonging and visibility for LGBTQIA+ youth and families that has grown into a thriving annual tradition and a model for other communities. She also stepped in to lead Chaska High School's competitive one-act theater program when it faced possible elimination, helping students build confidence, creativity and connection through the arts.
Her influence extends into the profession itself. As president of the Minnesota School Public Relations Association (MinnSPRA), Haga has helped grow membership to the highest level in chapter history while strengthening partnerships with education organizations across the state. She is also a sought-after presenter at NSPRA, AASA and PRSA conferences, frequently speaking on topics related to crisis communication, leadership, trust-building and equity-centered communications.
“Celi is a transformational leader who doesn’t just talk about effective communication — she lives it every day,” wrote Ashley Sukhu, executive director of communications for St. Louis Park Public Schools and president-elect of MinnSPRA.
Known for her calm leadership style, strategic thinking and unwavering commitment to people, Haga continues to elevate the role of school communication as an essential part of public education leadership. Whether guiding communities through uncertainty, mentoring emerging professionals or helping families feel seen and heard, her work reflects a belief that strong communication begins with listening, empathy and trust.