David first joined the Foundation in 2009, serving as the CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. David was instrumental in delivering on financial targets for two consecutive years; supporting innovation with the successful launch of the HSFO Calendar Lottery in 2010 and exceeding the goal for the 2011 HSFO annual Ride for Heart which attracted 13,000 cyclists who raised $4.1 million for heart and stroke research.
The Foundation unified 2011, becoming a truly national organization after decades of operating as a federation of provincial foundations. Examples of provinces exchanging best practices and resources soon followed, such as PEI holding its first Ride for Heart event in 2012, and BC and Alberta obtaining licenses to operate a calendar lottery (following Ontario's success).
With a new national identity established, as well as an emerging culture of collaboration, innovation, and philanthropy, David's leadership included guiding the groundbreaking national campaigns Make Death Wait in 2012 and Make Health Last in 2013. Both impactful campaigns captured the attention of millions of Canadians, motivating thousands of men and women to assess their risk.
Under David's direction, the Foundation also secured a $10 million investment from the Government of Canada to oversee the placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in hockey arenas and community centres across the country to save lives.
Furthering the Foundation's transformation under David's leadership is the national strategic plan with a threefold goal of improving health impact, increasing revenue and enhancing cost efficiency.
A seasoned business leader with a track record of leading complex organizations, David has experience in both the entrepreneurial and corporate worlds where he has facilitated workplace innovation and talent development, and overseen transitions, integrations and transformational change initiatives for companies in Canada, United States, South America, and globally.
David has also held a variety of executive positions, including President at consumer product and pharmaceutical corporations such as Warner Lambert, Cadbury Schweppes PLC, and Pfizer.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Queen's University, Master of Science in Organizational Development (MSOD) from Pepperdine University, California, and a Premier Degree from the University of Grenoble.
A devoted volunteer in his community, David works with a variety of local and national organizations spanning the environment, the arts, community health and education. He was a past board member of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society; a founding board member and now Chair of the Board of PREVnet, a national network committed to stop bullying in Canada; Vice-Chair of the Soulpepper Theatre Company in Toronto, board member of Crescent School, and Past Chair of the Queen's University School of Business Advisory Board, where he was very involved in the creation of its strategic plan and major gift fundraising.
David grew up in Port Hope, Ontario and married Patricia Cooper in 1993. They now live in Toronto with their three children Geoffrey, Quinn and Gillian. In his spare time he enjoys cycling, skiing, tennis, bird watching and his farm in Port Hope, as well as travelling with his family.