For nearly four decades, he has been at the intersection of the private, public, and nonprofit sectors creating innovative civic solutions helping people help themselves. As President, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, he is a champion for philanthropic freedom and the importance of well managed and governed nonprofits.

David has demonstrated leadership in various professional and community organizations. He is currently a Community Development Partner and Board Member of the Florida Chamber Foundation. At the Florida Chamber Foundation, he has been actively involved in the research, development, and implementation of Florida 2030, Florida’s strategic plan for high paying jobs, vibrant communities and global competitiveness. He is also an Advisor to the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at the Rollins College, Roy E. Crummer Graduate School of Business.

David is a Founder and Former Board Chair of the Florida Philanthropic Network, the state’s regional association of grantmakers. He has had leadership, governance or advisory roles in many nonprofit organizations including Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida’s Blood Center, United Arts of Central Florida, Central Florida Foundation, and the Southeast Council on Foundations. He is a frequent speaker and writer on philanthropic issues. He has completed the Management Certificate Program at the Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business.

David graduated with Honors from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. Upon his graduation he received the James H. Albertson Award, the University’s highest honor for recognition of outstanding leadership, scholarship, and campus citizenship to the University.

In 1981, David graduated from the Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. While at the Law School he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Hamline Journal of Public Law, and as a law clerk for the Minnesota Workers Compensation Court of Appeals and the Minnesota Senate Labor Committee. Two weeks before he graduated from law school, he became the Executive Director for the Wasie Family Office and The Wasie Foundation. He served on the boards of various nonprofits and was active in the Minnesota Council on Foundations.

A Floridan since 1990, David is married with three adult children and an adorable grandson. He enjoys all of the outdoor activities afforded by Florida’s beautiful climate, including cycling, hiking, tennis and art festivals.

She is a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant. Because of her extensive knowledge and experience in accounting, finance and management, she is responsible for all the financial matters of the Foundation, including investments, treasury, budget, tax and board reporting.

Mary Ellen came to the Foundation from Rollins College where she served as Controller and a member of the financial leadership team. She was responsible for multiple departments including accounting, accounts payable, bursar’s office, payroll, budget and grant reporting. She managed the annual audit, financial, investment and tax reporting. Her professional career began at Ernst & Young, LLP in Orlando. As a manager at EY, she had a broad range of clients from small business start-ups to large corporate entities. She had a specialized knowledge of financial institutions, defense contractors and non-profits.

Mary Ellen graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance and a master’s degree in Business Administration. She was a member of the honor society, Beta Alpha Psi. She was also a member of SACUBO, the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers. She is currently a member of the endowment and foundation chief investment officer’s organization NMS Management. A proponent of financial literacy, Mary Ellen has served the community in various financial capacities, including VITA (volunteer income tax assistance) and most recently as Board Treasurer of the Winter Park Day Nursery.

With more than 10 years of experience providing administrative support, Silvia brings to the Foundation substantial knowledge attained from her positions at National Retail Properties, GE Capital and Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital.

Silvia earned a certification in Leadership, and is serving in leadership roles alongside her husband at their local church. She is involved in woman ministries; she founded Woman of Excellence, a non-denominational ministry, with the mission of encouraging and equipping women in their spiritual journey by teaching Godly principles through Bible study. She also has been a guest speaker at numerous local Christian women’s conferences.

JP graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Finance. While attending UCF, JP actively participated in the Reformed University Fellowship along with numerous intramural sports leagues. In 2021, JP returned to UCF to complete requirements needed to acquire his CPA certification.

Along with JP’s studies, he gained experience working at Golf Planner Pro and Universal Orlando Resort. As a Financial Analyst at Golf Planner Pro, JP supported management with daily record keeping and essential accounting functions. At Universal Orlando Resort, he worked in a leadership role in security operations. These opportunities provided experience in accounting, financial operations, leadership and decision-making that JP uses to support the Foundation.

In his free time, JP enjoys spending time with his family, attending church, sports, game nights, and trying to “tire out” his dog.

Kaori graduated from Rollins College with a bachelor’s degree in Art History and International Business. While attending Rollins, her career began in the nonprofit community by volunteering with local food banks and interning at the Orlando Museum of Art. After her internship, Kaori gained experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, events planning, and membership management as OMA’s Membership and Annual Giving Manager. Skills developed in her various roles are used as she supports the Foundation’s mission.

After work, Kaori enjoys spending time with her family, partner, and their dog Tessa. She loves travelling with her partner around the state and visiting friends on the weekends.