Daman Hunter Named 2026 Black Male Administrator of the Year
Daman Hunter has been named the 2026 Black Male Administrator of the Year by the Academy for Creating Excellence (ACE), a Seattle nonprofit that empowers Black male youth and adults. The NAACP Alaska Oregon Washington State Area Conference congratulates him on an honor that recognizes decades of equity driven leadership in Puget Sound schools.
- Honoree: Daman Hunter
- Current role: Associate Superintendent of Human Resources, Kent School District
- Awarded by: The Academy for Creating Excellence (ACE), Seattle
- Selection: Peer selection from a record number of nominations statewide
- NAACP AOWSAC position: Black leadership in our schools matters, and we celebrate it
Decades of Leadership Across Puget Sound Schools
Hunter’s recognition honors a career of executive leadership in school communities across the region, including Tukwila, Federal Way, Highline and now Kent. Colleagues point to the stability he brings to every district he serves and to a steady focus on equity centered work that reaches students directly.
Peers who nominated him highlighted three themes: visionary leadership over decades, a student centered focus on equity and well being, and a collaborative style built on consistency, integrity and real partnership.
Why This Award Matters
Black men make up less than 2 percent of the public school teaching workforce nationwide, according to ACE. That gap shows up in district offices too, where students and staff benefit from leaders who reflect the communities they serve. ACE launched its statewide Educator Awards in 2024 to recognize the educators and administrators who are closing that gap in Washington.
Hunter is honored alongside Ryland Brown, the 2026 Black Male Educator of the Year. Congratulations to both men.
Learn more about ACE and its programs for Black male youth and educators.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Black Male Administrator of the Year
1. Who is the 2026 Black Male Administrator of the Year?
Daman Hunter, Associate Superintendent of Human Resources in the Kent School District.
2. Who gives the award?
The Academy for Creating Excellence (ACE), a Seattle nonprofit dedicated to empowering Black male youth and adults.
3. How are winners chosen?
Through a peer selection process. ACE reported a record number of nominations this year from teachers, administrators, counselors and mentors.
4. When did the awards begin?
ACE launched its statewide Educator Awards in 2024.
5. Who else was honored in 2026?
Ryland Brown, a math teacher at O’Dea High School, was named Black Male Educator of the Year.
