John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) is thrilled to welcome two distinguished individuals to its board of directors: Bob Giroux and Greg Lucas. Joining in October, Bob and Greg bring decades of advocacy and state government expertise that will help further JBAY’s mission to improve the lives of California’s youth with experience in foster care or homelessness.
Bob Giroux brings a deep understanding of public policy, honed over decades of service in state government and political consulting. A partner at Lang, Hansen, Giroux & Kidane, Bob began his career as an Assembly Fellow in 1984 and has since held influential roles, including Chief Advisor to Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez and Senior Advisor to then-Senate President Pro Tem John Burton. Bob also worked with Speaker Willie Brown’s Office of Member Services and consulted on labor, workforce development, and budget issues for various legislative committees and the Democratic Caucus.
Beyond his legislative work, Bob has led numerous successful political campaigns across California, earning accolades such as a “Pollie Award” for his exceptional campaign management.
Greg Lucas, California’s 25th State Librarian, brings a similar commitment to public service. Appointed by Governor Jerry Brown in 2014, Greg’s mission as State Librarian has been to ensure that every Californian has access to critical resources. Under his leadership, the State Library has expanded high-speed internet access to more than 1,000 libraries, improved literacy initiatives, and championed efforts to provide library cards to schoolchildren statewide.
Greg’s professional journey began in journalism, where he served as Capitol Bureau Chief for the San Francisco Chronicle, covering politics and policy at the State Capitol for nearly two decades. Greg holds a master’s degree in library and information science from California State University, San Jose, a master’s in professional writing from the University of Southern California, and a degree in communications from Stanford University.
JBAY Board President John Garcia expressed his enthusiasm for these new additions: “With Bob and Greg joining the JBAY board, we are well-positioned to advance our desired objectives outlined in the strategic plan – dramatically narrowing education equity gaps and reducing youth homelessness throughout California. The board is very excited to work with these two seasoned professionals.”