Marcus Walton is a longtime West Contra Costa resident who graduated from WCCUSD schools and worked for the district for several years as the Communications Director, where he advocated for students and worked with community groups to support public education. He is a communications professional with more than 25 years of experience in journalism, public relations, marketing, community outreach and engagement, advocacy, and strategic planning and execution for public and private sector organizations. Marcus has worked directly with students as a high school speech and debate coach, substitute teacher, and summer program adviser. He was a founding board member for the Sacramento Urban Debate League and served on the executive committee of the California High School Speech Association. He is currently the Communications Director for the Contra Costa County Office of Education, where his advocacy work continues.