Michael Emerson Dirda

Michael Emerson Dirda currently serves as the Executive Director of Executive and Internal Communications and Social Media at UCLA, leading a 16-person unit that manages executive communications and oversees one of the leading higher education social media platforms. Prior to UCLA, Michael held multiple roles at UC Berkeley, including Director of Executive and Internal Communications and Senior Counselor for Executive Communications, advising top officials and managing strategic communications efforts during significant events. Michael's earlier experience includes positions at Edelman, where Michael Emerson developed public relations strategies for major clients, and internships at Oberlin College and the National Endowment for the Arts. Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and English from Oberlin College.