During a 25-year professional career, Geoff Wool has worked in both the news media and government communications, giving him a unique perspective on the relationship between reporters and those who create and carry out public policy.

After graduating with a double major in political science and radio/TV/film from the University of North Texas in 1981, Mr. Wool built a career in broadcast news. During a 10-year run (1981-1991) as an anchor/reporter/producer for KVUE-TV (ABC) in Austin, Texas, Mr. Wool covered local, county, and state government and politics. He won numerous awards of excellence for his reporting and producing from both the Associated Press and United Press International. Building on that success, Mr. Wool went on to serve in broadcast news management, first as news assignments editor, then news manager, and managing editor; key newsroom positions responsible for daily decisions regarding coverage of local news.

Since 1991, Mr. Wool has worked on the other side of the camera, serving as director of communications and director of public information for Texas state government agencies. As director of communications for the Texas General Land Office, Mr. Wool advised the Texas Land Commissioner and key staff on matters relating to the news media. As director of public information for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Mr. Wool handled intense news media coverage as the state’s Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services programs were investigated, then reformed. During his years in state government, Mr. Wool has written and conducted numerous seminars and trainings for agency staff members who encounter the news media.

Today, Mr. Wool is a communications specialist with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, specializing in stakeholder communications.