David Giles

David has over twenty years of management, research, and writing experience in academic, think tank, and local government settings. As associate director and senior content editor for curriculum development, he works closely with the initiative’s writers and editorial staff to manage content production for its curriculum portfolio. He also collaborates with faculty and researchers to provide editorial support and to write accompanying materials. Prior to joining the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, he was the associate director of Harvard Kennedy School’s Program on Crisis Leadership, where he focused on the intergovernmental dynamics of crises with an emphasis on urban environments. He is the author of numerous Harvard Kennedy School teaching case studies and is co-author/editor of books and journal articles on crisis management, public health preparedness, and organizational leadership.

Before coming to Harvard, David was 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.