About Me

It’s not the career journey I had planned. But it’s the one I was meant for.

Making headlines

Starting out in journalism

In the newsroom, deadlines are absolute and print space is limited. I learn how to get to the heart of the matter quickly, helping readers make sense of what’s happening and how it affects them.

A foot in the door at the Big Four

A transition to professional services

Applying my reporting skills to a professional audience, I help clients understand complex issues, navigate change, and make informed decisions through carefully crafted reports, thought leadership, and proposals.

Back to school

Pivoting my career with a master’s degree (actually, two)

Journalism and professional services put me on the periphery of marketing and business. I decide it’s time to go all in, earning an MBA and master’s of marketing. I balance my schoolwork with positions at local companies that let me apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations.

Putting it all together

Driving marketing success in the start-up world

My unique combination of experience, expertise, and education leads to IncQuery, a start-up transforming the way professionals do survey-based research. As IncQuery’s first marketing hire, I am instrumental in developing and executing strategies to help the firm gain awareness, trust, and authority in a competitive environment.

Advocacy work and volunteer leadership

Passion for the things that matter

Out to make a difference

I came out of the closet soon after joining the workforce—when doing so was considered a professional liability—because there were no LGBTQ role models. I didn’t see one, so I tried to become that person for others. I’ve worked to make the workplace more inclusive and to offer support where I can. I know I’ve made a difference—but there’s still more work to do.

Learn more: My Out at Office Message.

Volunteering and leadership

My passion for civil rights helped me evolve from member to volunteer to leader at the ACLU of Florida, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. I was a statewide director from 2019 to 2023.

My work with the ACLU involved advocacy work, public speaking, governance, policy development, volunteer management, messaging, budgeting, finance, and event planning.

While I no longer serve in a leadership role, I am still an active volunteer and support the affiliate staff when my skills or connections are needed.

Here’s what volunteering has taught me—and advice for doing good without burning out: Volunteering My Thoughts.

David speaking to the Tampa City Council

The boilerplate bio

I’m an experienced marketer who knows how to use content to create emotional connections, build communities, and drive change.

My writing and leadership capabilities were forged in the newsroom, where deadlines are non-negotiable and accuracy is essential. Earning two master’s degrees—an MBA and a Master of Science in Marketing—has taught me to harmonize content marketing with the larger marketing function and other business operations.