David L.K. DadaDavid L.K. Dada will be the director of Government Relations at UAB starting Oct. 1. Dada, a UAB alumnus and former employee, most recently was deputy director of the Division of Youth Services within the Office of the Mayor for the City of Birmingham. Dada succeeds Ceil Snow, who recently retired after more than 20 years of service to the university.
Dada will be responsible for promoting mutually productive relationships with local officials in the Greater Birmingham area, ensuring UAB leaders are aware of policies, proposals and legislative issues that affect the university, and assisting with local government issues as needed.
“UAB has a strong working relationship with local leaders, and we must have someone who understands, communicates and advocates for our priorities and also helps us understand the needs of community leaders and residents,” said Brian Burnett, Ph.D., senior vice president for Finance and Administration. “David’s unique background and experiences will enable him to serve as an effective ambassador and advocate for UAB, and we are confident he will sustain and improve these critical relationships.”
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“David’s unique background and experiences will enable him to serve as an effective ambassador and advocate for UAB, and we are confident he will sustain and improve these critical relationships.” |
“As a Birmingham native, I am committed to the betterment of our community, and I know UAB will always play an integral role in that because of the opportunities provided to me as a student and then as an employee,” Dada said. “I am excited to be able to facilitate and expand strong, productive relationships that benefit my university and community.”
In his role with the city, Dada was responsible for implementing innovative programs to expand education and training options available to Birmingham youth, and he worked with public, private and community stakeholders to enhance existing education and workforce development systems.
Prior to his position with the City of Birmingham, Dada held two roles at UAB — a coordinator of Leadership and Service (2014-2018) and transfer counselor (2013-2014).
Since July 2020, he has been an Innovators in Civic Education fellow with the David Mathews Center for Civic Life, providing insight on ways to create relevant, useful resources for educators in the classroom and the community. He became involved with the center in his prior work as a lead instructor for The Woodlawn Project, in which students from the Woodlawn High School Early College Program participated in a yearlong immersive learning experience in community development.
Dada holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a Master of Public Administration degree from UAB.
