I’m a creative leader who thrives at solving business needs in the most creative, effective and elegant way. My career spans over 25 years leading creative, marketing and product design teams at Square, Microsoft, Amazon, Edelman, and Etsy. Prior to that, I built a successful creative agency and record label, wrote and published a book, toured with bands you may or may not have heard of and remain part-owner of a shuffleboard club in Brooklyn. I've got fire in my belly for multi-channel storytelling, igniting internal cultures and bringing that Kobe energy to foster the best possible creative environment. Outside of work, I love being dad, playing ice-hockey, watching docs and making sure local restaurants thrive.

I like being the guy who gets to the airport earlier than I need to. Or the person who knows when to give up their seat on the subway. These might feel small, but to me I’ve always felt it’s the little things that are really the big things. This is how I view both my work and life. I put a heavy emphasis on empathy because everyone deserves to feel safe and heard - it’s a formula that results in successful teams, products and organizations. Perhaps it comes from my grandfather who drove a cab for 35 years or my Gender Studies degree in Sociology, these are things I think about and enjoy. And since we’re getting to know each other, here’s a few things I’m proud to have had a hand in making.

Skills

Empathetic leadership
Making sh*t happen
Sales, Marketing, Research

Achievements

Dad to Nora and Wilco
Danced in Iceland with Bjork
Drummer in a bad pop punk band

Things I Love

San Diego
Pizza
Kindness

Side Hustles

The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club (Brooklyn)
Better Looking Records (Los Angeles)
Dadding (South Orange)

Dave is a team player and knows when to take the chances that deliver impact on the business.

— Ming-Tai Huh, Head of Product at Square

He isn’t afraid to take big swings and make incredible work that’s beyond what’s expected and are literally things folks want to hang on their walls.

— James Schonzeit, Head of Product Design at Square

Dave is one of the most human centered leaders - always keeping his awareness fixed on the people who he leads, the people he works with, and the people that would benefit from the work.

— Dushane Ramsey, Head of Marketing, The Gap

He has an unparalleled passion and care for our customers. He’s the kind of partner and collaborator researchers hope for.

— Carol Camilleri, Research Lead at Square

I can easily say he is the BEST manager I have ever had. He truly leads with kindness and consistently uplifts, encourages and helps guide all of those around him.

— Rachel Hatley-Starnes, VP of Design and Culture at Willow Tree