From the VP
The Office of External Affairs is charged with bringing forward the University’s priorities and challenges to public officials, community stakeholders and regional partners. I am proud to lead and support this important work. In an increasingly complex political landscape, showcasing the UW’s excellence and impact is more critical than ever. Through collaboration with campus units, other higher education institutions and communities across our state, we continue to defend the importance of public higher education and public research to policymakers. By building collaborative relationships across all levels of government, with community and business leaders, and Tribal governments, External Affairs acts as convener. Together, we can improve access to the incredible work of the UW’s faculty, students and staff.
Contact Vice President Joe Dacca
daccaj@uw.edu
206.616.8965
Colleen Boyce
Executive Assistant to the Vice President
cboyce8@uw.edu
206.616.7274
Biography
Joe Dacca was named vice president for the UW Office of External Affairs in July 2025. In this role, he leads units responsible for building government and community relations at the federal, state, regional, and tribal levels. Joe previously served as director of State Relations at the UW for nine years. In this role, he shepherded significant capital and operating investments for the UW through the legislative process.
Under his leadership, the State Relations Office supported state financial aid and key legislation benefiting the University and its students, including the passage of the Workforce Education and Investment Act of 2019. Prior to his work at the UW, he served on staff for former U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer and Norm Dicks as well as a legislative assistant in the Washington State Senate.
A lifelong Washingtonian, Joe grew up in Gig Harbor. A proud UW alumnus, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science. In both his professional capacity and personal life, he serves on a variety of community & organizational boards. Joe and his wife Marian are the proud parents of two children. In his free time, he is an avid sports fan and a youth sports and school volunteer. He has vowed to play pick-up basketball as long his body allows.