Providing process consulting services across North America, David is Of Counsel with Design Group International™. His expertise includes generosity development, board governance, adaptive leadership, stewardship design, and organizational visioning. He is a forerunner in the discipline of spiritual giving. He creates hope by providing practical design and motivational seminars for faith-based organizations.
For over 30 years, David has asked faith-based, non-profit leaders adaptive questions that help them envision new possibilities. He is a thought leader whose intuitive curiosity about organizational systems and his passionate emphasis on emotional intelligence combine to empower vital transformation. He empowers leaders to discover their unique role in enabling communities of faith to embody a generous culture.
As an avid writer and leading-edge speaker, he addresses the often-overlooked spiritual discipline of generosity, the debilitating impact of hyperconsumerism on giving, and the positive cycle of abundance-focused communities. The growing demand for his intuitive, strategic vision and passionate leadership is significant. One of David’s recognized strengths is his personal understanding of organizations from various perspectives. He gained experience as a pastor, a development director, and a regional and denominational church executive.
David has a keen understanding of the current economic and consumer trends impacting individual’s charitable giving. His dynamic presentations invite participants to learn from one another by engaging in stimulating peer learning. His comprehensive consultation is customized to meet the specific needs of a faith-based community.
In addition to serving Of Counsel with Design Group International™, David is an adjunct instructor at United Theological Seminary and currently serves as President and Executive Director with The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan. He is the past chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center. He is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, and the Church Network powered by the National Association of Church Business Administrators. He is President of the Executive Committee of the National Association of United Methodist Foundations, a former trustee and current member of the President’s Advisory Council of United Theological Seminary, a Board of Directors' member of the General Council on Finance and Administration of The United Methodist Church, a former member of the Advisory Board of The United Methodist Church Development Center, a former member of the Advisory Council of the Good Sense Movement, a former Director and Program Committee Chair of Lakeside Chautauqua.
David is a magna cum laude graduate of Drew Theological School, holds a Doctor of Divinity from United Theological Seminary, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Executive Leadership with a specialization in Emotional Intelligence and Executive Coaching from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies and Secondary Education from The College of Wooster.
“Leaders are called to embrace an abundant vision and to inspire others with their passion and generosity.”