As executive director of Communications and External Relations for the University of Wisconsin System, David Giroux leads a team that is responsible for communicating with the news media, elected officials and other external audiences. Prior to joining UW System Administration, Giroux served as communications director for the University of Wisconsin-Extension, which provides lifelong learning opportunities for all Wisconsin residents.

Giroux 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.

Giroux earned a bachelor’s degree in English and speech communication from the University of Maine and a master’s degree in family and consumer journalism from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. 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, Giroux served as National Guard journalist and photographer for nine years. He is an active member of the Public Relations Society of America, and a supporter of Wisconsin Public Television.