Joe Dacca

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.