Delta Dental hires David Irwin to lead national corporate communications efforts

Veteran communications pro to direct message strategy, media relations & crisis communications

OAK BROOK, Ill. (April 1, 2015) - Delta Dental Plans Association (DDPA), the nation's largest dental benefits provider, has named David Irwin as its new director of corporate communications. In this role, Mr. Irwin will focus on national media relations, social media efforts, message strategy, reputation management, and spearhead crisis communications for DDPA.

Irwin brings more than 18 years of strategic communications experience, in both the private and public sectors, specializing in consumer-centric communications approaches for national brands. Most recently, Irwin spent the past 12 years with AARP, developing key initiatives and innovative efforts to position the brand and tell its story across the nation.

"David has a keen understanding and expertise of how to connect with the public and the media by positioning national brands and their stories in creative ways—his proven track record in this area is real asset to DDPA," said Jennifer Elliott, DDPA's vice president of marketing. "We're excited to have David on board as we focus on bringing our national brand to consumers' kitchen tables."

Prior to joining AARP in 2003, Irwin served as the public affairs director for a telecommunications company; he is also a former staffer in the Washington State Senate and was on the team that led the most successful ballot initiative in Washington's history. Irwin, a Seattle native, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and Journalism from Seattle University and attended Gonzaga University for graduate studies.