👋 I’m Dave, an architect of ideas, teams, and brands — equally at home in the boardroom and the creative studio, with a leadership style defined by heart, hustle, and vision.

With 25 years across startups, agencies, and global brands, I’ve learned this: the more worlds you stand in, the sharper your perspective becomes. And as AI reshapes what it means to create, that breadth has become my greatest advantage - helping teams adapt, grow, and deliver powerhouse results.

I’m a hands-on creative at heart - just as energized by crafting the story and selling the idea as I am by building it with the team. Whether it’s concepting campaigns, directing on set, or building ideas that find their way into culture, I love being in the mess, the momentum, and the magic.

Beyond the boardroom, 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. It’s this unique mix of experiences that enables me to move fluidly between worlds — equally effective as a creative visionary, a strategic partner to executives, and an inspiring presence for teams and customers.

Before I ever led creative teams, I was making things — zines, records, art shows, and books. Punk rock and DIY culture taught me how to build from nothing, chase an idea until it came to life, and rally people around a shared vision. Later, sociology taught me why that matters: creativity thrives in environments where people feel safe, seen and inspired. That mix of empathy and DIY energy has shaped every project since — the belief that the best work comes from humans who care deeply and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.

That instinct has served me well through what’s arguably the wildest stretch in creative history — from the collapse of broadcast to the birth of smartphones, social media, and now AI. Every few years, something new was supposed to “change everything.” And it did. But so did we.

Adaptation isn’t a reaction — it’s the job. It’s what creative people have always done. And it’s what I still love doing.

So if this moment feels uncertain, it also feels familiar — and full of possibility. Here are a few projects that embody that spirit: proof that damn good creative always finds a way forward.

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