David W. Giles

David has over twenty years of management, research, and writing experience in academia, local government, and research think tanks. As program director for curriculum development, he manages a team of writers and editors who produce teaching case studies, instructional materials, and practitioner-oriented publications for use in the classroom and beyond.

Prior to joining the Initiative, David was associate director of Harvard Kennedy School’s (HKS) Program on Crisis Leadership. He is the author of numerous HKS teaching case studies and is co-author/editor of books and journal articles on crisis management, public health preparedness, and organizational leadership.

David was previously a researcher at the National Academies in Washington, D.C., and a Peace Corps volunteer in Romania, where he partnered with municipal leaders and community groups to develop social service programs in small and medium-sized cities.

David received his Master of Arts from the Elliott School of International Affairs at The George Washington University and his Bachelor of Arts from Vassar College.