Bio: The path to becoming a planner is different for each us. We each bring a unique combination of skills and experiences that help to shape our practices. In my case, I started out as a lighting designer and sound engineer (i.e, a "roadie") for rock bands. I got to see America through the windshield of a bus! Later, I would earn degrees in history, political science, and, eventually, planning. Like so many others, I fell into the planning field because I was a "systems thinker", I wanted to "change the world", and because they had the coolest computer toys (early GIS). Perhaps because of my work in the entertainment industry, I also learned that I worked well with others and was comfortable in front of groups. Fast forward 30+ years and today my areas of expertise include the design and implementation of community engagement processes, strategic community assessment, and community/economic development. My work as a planner has won awards for projects in Louisiana, Missouri, and Wisconsin. I have also held faculty appointments at Cornell University, St. Louis University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison and have served on regional and statewide committees and commissions too numerous to mention. In 2006, after a career of public service, I was inducted as a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners. Today I am the Chief Enterprise Officer for the Urban Associates Group, an extremely small management consulting firm (my business partners are my two dogs and thus far have fended off cat's takeover efforts). I pride myself on bringing a planner's talent for “hybrid thinking” to help my clients resolve multi-faceted organizational and strategic challenges.
Education: David holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin and a Masters Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Other Publications: David is a member of the CitiStates Group and has contributed a variety of articles on planning topics to publications such as the St. Louis Post Dispatch and Landscape Architecture magazine.
Past Assignments: David has presented sessions at numerous conferences including several APA Chapter and Regional events and the National Conference. He originated the "FAICP Symposium", a popular session held at the Upper Midwest Planning Conference, which helps to connect tenured planners with fresh professionals. He has presented guest lectures at a number of key universities including Cornell University, Washington University, University of California-Berkeley, University of Missouri-St. Louis, University of Wisconsin-Madison, St Louis University, and the University of Louisiana-Lafayette.
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