Biography

David F. Giroux
Executive Director, Communications and External Relations
University of Wisconsin System

As Executive Director of Communications and External Relations for the University of Wisconsin System, David Giroux leads a team responsible for communicating with the news media, elected officials and other external audiences. The UW System comprises 26 campuses that educate more than 180,000 students annually. Home to the storied “Wisconsin Idea,” the university also extends its reach annually to more than 1.3 million Wisconsin residents through outreach and extension programs.

Prior to joining UW System Administration in November 2006, David served as communications director for the University of Wisconsin-Extension, which provides lifelong learning opportunities for all Wisconsin residents. UW-Extension faculty and staff deliver educational programs at 72 county offices, on all 26 campuses and through the statewide networks of Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Television.

David previously worked for 13 years in the non-profit and private sectors. He managed media relations for Alliant Energy Corp., a major electric and gas utility company serving customers across Wisconsin and three other states. He also held local and national public relations positions with the American Red Cross, where he was responsible for supporting major disaster relief operations.

David earned his Master of Science in Family and Consumer Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Speech Communication from the University of Maine. As a graduate student, he explored ways to help scientists work effectively with the mass media, and strategies for better communicating the value of university research to consumers.

A graduate of the U.S. Army’s Defense Information School, David served as a National Guard journalist and photographer for nine years. He is an active member of the Public Relations Society of America, and a Wisconsin Public Television volunteer.

David and his wife, Anne, live in Madison with their three daughters.