Strategic Impact,
Practically Delivered
We combine years of impact consulting experience with a practitioner’s mindset that brings strategy to life.
/ OUR VALUES
How We Work
We Deliver High-quality Work
Our clients expect and deserve high-quality work. We strive for excellence in each client engagement.
We Deliver High-quality Work
Our clients expect and deserve high-quality work. We strive for excellence in each client engagement.
We Deliver High-quality Work
Our clients expect and deserve high-quality work. We strive for excellence in each client engagement.
We Ask Powerful Questions
Our superpower is asking questions that provoke clients' reflection, creativity, and awareness.
We Ask Powerful Questions
Our superpower is asking questions that provoke clients' reflection, creativity, and awareness.
We Ask Powerful Questions
Our superpower is asking questions that provoke clients' reflection, creativity, and awareness.
We Form All-Star Teams
We leverage our extensive network in the social impact sector, often partnering with other consultants to add perspectives and subject matter expertise.
We Form All-Star Teams
We leverage our extensive network in the social impact sector, often partnering with other consultants to add perspectives and subject matter expertise.
We Form All-Star Teams
We leverage our extensive network in the social impact sector, often partnering with other consultants to add perspectives and subject matter expertise.
We're Easy to Work With
With 20+ years serving clients, we understand when to push and when to stand down. We’ll be your guide rather than extra pack weight.
We're Easy to Work With
With 20+ years serving clients, we understand when to push and when to stand down. We’ll be your guide rather than extra pack weight.
We're Easy to Work With
With 20+ years serving clients, we understand when to push and when to stand down. We’ll be your guide rather than extra pack weight.
We're Practical
As experienced on-the-ground practitioners, we empathize with taking ownership and working within resource constraints.
We're Practical
As experienced on-the-ground practitioners, we empathize with taking ownership and working within resource constraints.
We're Practical
As experienced on-the-ground practitioners, we empathize with taking ownership and working within resource constraints.
We're Relational vs Transactional
We work with clients as partners who learn with and from each other. We're all in this together, and how we work is just as important as what we do.
We're Relational vs Transactional
We work with clients as partners who learn with and from each other. We're all in this together, and how we work is just as important as what we do.
We're Relational vs Transactional
We work with clients as partners who learn with and from each other. We're all in this together, and how we work is just as important as what we do.
/ Meet our founder
Meet David Phillips
David Phillips
Founder & Principal Consultant
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David is driven to make the world a more just place, especially for those furthest from power, and to awaken leaders’ authentic purpose and potential.
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David is driven to make the world a more just place, especially for those furthest from power, and to awaken leaders’ authentic purpose and potential.
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David is driven to make the world a more just place, especially for those furthest from power, and to awaken leaders’ authentic purpose and potential.
David brings 20 years of professional experience as a leadership coach, management consultant, Chief of Staff, and product manager. As the Founder of Panorama Advisors, he advises and coaches clients ranging from the elected board members at San Francisco Unified School District to operations leaders at Apple. David is driven to make the world a more just place, especially for those furthest from power. He does this by amplifying his clients’ effectiveness and impact.
David’s expertise includes leadership coaching, strategic planning, team development, facilitation, and board governance. At Panorama Advisors he works with K-12 school districts, nonprofits, businesses, government, multi-stakeholder collaboratives, philanthropies, and their leaders. Clients describe David as authentic, thoughtful, supportive, practical, committed, and trusted.
His diverse and accomplished career includes serving as Chief of Staff at the non-profit Educate78, whose mission was to improve Oakland, CA’s public education system so that student success is not predicted by race and class. At the leading mission-driven strategy consulting firm FSG, David developed social impact strategies for nonprofit and for-profit clients. David began his career at the Corporate Executive Board (now Gartner), a global best practice insights and technology company, where he developed decision-support tools for corporate internal audit departments.
David holds an MBA from The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University with concentrations in Social Entrepreneurship and Leadership & Ethics, and a BA in International Studies from Rhodes College. He holds two coaching certifications: an Executive Coaching Certificate from the University of California, Berkeley, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coaching Federation. David is an Education Pioneer Fellow and is a member of the CatalystEd provider network.
In addition to advising others, David is a community leader in his own right. For six years he served on the board of Francophone Charter School of Oakland. At Duke University, David served as a Center on Leadership and Ethics Fellow and received the Schwartz Award for Mentorship, one of three top leadership awards given to the graduating class of 450.
An Alabama native, David lives in Berkeley, CA with his wife, two children, two cats, and one very energetic puppy. He is a cancer survivor, two-time Outward Bound alumnus, traveler off the beaten path, and irregular cyclist.
/ our clients
Client List
Nonprofit and Government
Access to Medicine Foundation
Aspen Institute Rising Community College Presidents Fellowship
County of San Mateo (CA)
San Francisco Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families
Education Board Partners
Education Pioneers
FACES SF
LivableStreets (Boston area)
National Academy of Medicine
Southern Equity Collective
Stanford Social Innovation Review
U.S. Department of Labor
Urban Growers Network
Veggielution
K-12 Schools and School Districts
Francophone Charter School of Oakland
Head-Royce School (Oakland)
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Ivy Hill Prep (Brooklyn)
San Francisco Unified School District
Oakland Unified School District
Multi-Stakeholder Collaboratives
Anchorage Youth Development Coalition
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Essentials for Childhood
InventEd
K-Connect (Grand Rapids, MI)
Multiple Collective Impact Initiatives in Cincinnati, OH
Oakland Equity Pledge
Our Children, Our Families (San Francisco, CA)
Silicon Valley ALLIES
Philanthropic Foundations
American Honda Foundation
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
College Spark Foundation
Hyde Family Foundation
Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Lemelson Foundation
Metta Fund
Overdeck Family Foundation
San Francisco Education Fund
Silver Giving Foundation
Businesses
Honda
Eli Lilly
Mattel
SAP
Individual Coaching Clients
David has coached dozens of leaders in the social and corporate sectors.
/ trusted by clients
/ TESTIMONIALS
What Our Clients Say
What Our Clients Say
01 / 24
“David brings a powerful balance of drive and curiosity to an organization during critical moments of change. He commits to projects that speak to his heart and shows up fully and authentically to support the team through challenging times.
David facilitates meetings in a way that brings purposeful questions to the forefront of the conversation. David listens deeply and can drive the conversation fluidly, ensuring everyone has clarity on what the group discussed, what we decided, and what needs to happen next.
The forces resisting change are strong, and through a partnership with David, we were able to proactively plan for, revise, and improve prototypes; engage the community meaningfully; and launch changes with confidence.”
Joya Balk
Senior Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives at San Francisco Unified School District
01 / 24
“David brings a powerful balance of drive and curiosity to an organization during critical moments of change. He commits to projects that speak to his heart and shows up fully and authentically to support the team through challenging times.
David facilitates meetings in a way that brings purposeful questions to the forefront of the conversation. David listens deeply and can drive the conversation fluidly, ensuring everyone has clarity on what the group discussed, what we decided, and what needs to happen next.
The forces resisting change are strong, and through a partnership with David, we were able to proactively plan for, revise, and improve prototypes; engage the community meaningfully; and launch changes with confidence.”
Joya Balk
Senior Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives at San Francisco Unified School District
01 / 24
“David brings a powerful balance of drive and curiosity to an organization during critical moments of change. He commits to projects that speak to his heart and shows up fully and authentically to support the team through challenging times.
David facilitates meetings in a way that brings purposeful questions to the forefront of the conversation. David listens deeply and can drive the conversation fluidly, ensuring everyone has clarity on what the group discussed, what we decided, and what needs to happen next.
The forces resisting change are strong, and through a partnership with David, we were able to proactively plan for, revise, and improve prototypes; engage the community meaningfully; and launch changes with confidence.”
Joya Balk
Senior Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives at San Francisco Unified School District
02 / 24
“David has been an incredible resource and thought partner for our School's Alumni Council as they went through their strategic planning and implementation process.
He helped them navigate and craft a new strategic plan that was authentic as well as visionary, centered on equity and inclusion. His level of service was from A-Z, applying his professional expertise in both strategy and cultural competency in all areas that required attention. He asked the right questions and was able to help the group focus on the key areas.“
Julie Kim Beal
Director of Alumni Relations at Head-Royce School
02 / 24
“David has been an incredible resource and thought partner for our School's Alumni Council as they went through their strategic planning and implementation process.
He helped them navigate and craft a new strategic plan that was authentic as well as visionary, centered on equity and inclusion. His level of service was from A-Z, applying his professional expertise in both strategy and cultural competency in all areas that required attention. He asked the right questions and was able to help the group focus on the key areas.“
Julie Kim Beal
Director of Alumni Relations at Head-Royce School
02 / 24
“David has been an incredible resource and thought partner for our School's Alumni Council as they went through their strategic planning and implementation process.
He helped them navigate and craft a new strategic plan that was authentic as well as visionary, centered on equity and inclusion. His level of service was from A-Z, applying his professional expertise in both strategy and cultural competency in all areas that required attention. He asked the right questions and was able to help the group focus on the key areas.“
Julie Kim Beal
Director of Alumni Relations at Head-Royce School
03 / 24
“I had the pleasure of working with David on the development of the collective impact strategy for the Urban Growers Network in Santa Clara County. His expertise in community engagement and strategic planning was instrumental in aligning diverse stakeholders toward a shared vision.
David's ability to facilitate meaningful conversations and navigate complex challenges ensured that our strategy not only reflected the needs of our urban growers but also established a sustainable framework for long-term collaboration. His insights and guidance empowered our network to take bold steps in addressing food system challenges and fostering community resilience.
I highly recommend David to any organization looking for a thoughtful, dynamic, and results-oriented consultant.”
Emily Schwing
Deputy Director at Veggielution
03 / 24
“I had the pleasure of working with David on the development of the collective impact strategy for the Urban Growers Network in Santa Clara County. His expertise in community engagement and strategic planning was instrumental in aligning diverse stakeholders toward a shared vision.
David's ability to facilitate meaningful conversations and navigate complex challenges ensured that our strategy not only reflected the needs of our urban growers but also established a sustainable framework for long-term collaboration. His insights and guidance empowered our network to take bold steps in addressing food system challenges and fostering community resilience.
I highly recommend David to any organization looking for a thoughtful, dynamic, and results-oriented consultant.”
Emily Schwing
Deputy Director at Veggielution
03 / 24
“I had the pleasure of working with David on the development of the collective impact strategy for the Urban Growers Network in Santa Clara County. His expertise in community engagement and strategic planning was instrumental in aligning diverse stakeholders toward a shared vision.
David's ability to facilitate meaningful conversations and navigate complex challenges ensured that our strategy not only reflected the needs of our urban growers but also established a sustainable framework for long-term collaboration. His insights and guidance empowered our network to take bold steps in addressing food system challenges and fostering community resilience.
I highly recommend David to any organization looking for a thoughtful, dynamic, and results-oriented consultant.”
Emily Schwing
Deputy Director at Veggielution
04 / 24
“David played a crucial role as trusted advisor during a period of substantial transitions and change for the School Board and me as Board President. He actively managed projects, ensuring progress, meeting deadlines, and achieving goals. This combination of strategic thinking and practical project management skills is essential for successfully navigating significant organizational changes.
David was there from the beginning, designing and implementing strategic initiatives. Most notably, he was integral to developing and implementing policy initiatives, particularly the Vision, Values, Goals, and Guardrails. Without David, we would not have adopted five-year student outcomes goals and board governance within the short timeframe.
David is a supportive coach, not only offering guidance but also creating space to process information and emotions. This focus on creating a supportive environment for reflection is necessary for clarity in leadership. He also demonstrates the aptitude to help me navigate relationships in a complex public system. He has greatly contributed to my personal growth as a leader in strategic thinking, execution, and impact.”
Jenny Lam
Former Board President at San Francisco Unified School District
04 / 24
“David played a crucial role as trusted advisor during a period of substantial transitions and change for the School Board and me as Board President. He actively managed projects, ensuring progress, meeting deadlines, and achieving goals. This combination of strategic thinking and practical project management skills is essential for successfully navigating significant organizational changes.
David was there from the beginning, designing and implementing strategic initiatives. Most notably, he was integral to developing and implementing policy initiatives, particularly the Vision, Values, Goals, and Guardrails. Without David, we would not have adopted five-year student outcomes goals and board governance within the short timeframe.
David is a supportive coach, not only offering guidance but also creating space to process information and emotions. This focus on creating a supportive environment for reflection is necessary for clarity in leadership. He also demonstrates the aptitude to help me navigate relationships in a complex public system. He has greatly contributed to my personal growth as a leader in strategic thinking, execution, and impact.”
Jenny Lam
Former Board President at San Francisco Unified School District
04 / 24
“David played a crucial role as trusted advisor during a period of substantial transitions and change for the School Board and me as Board President. He actively managed projects, ensuring progress, meeting deadlines, and achieving goals. This combination of strategic thinking and practical project management skills is essential for successfully navigating significant organizational changes.
David was there from the beginning, designing and implementing strategic initiatives. Most notably, he was integral to developing and implementing policy initiatives, particularly the Vision, Values, Goals, and Guardrails. Without David, we would not have adopted five-year student outcomes goals and board governance within the short timeframe.
David is a supportive coach, not only offering guidance but also creating space to process information and emotions. This focus on creating a supportive environment for reflection is necessary for clarity in leadership. He also demonstrates the aptitude to help me navigate relationships in a complex public system. He has greatly contributed to my personal growth as a leader in strategic thinking, execution, and impact.”
Jenny Lam
Former Board President at San Francisco Unified School District
05 / 24
“I have had the privilege to count on David Phillips as my leadership coach. As I begin my Executive Director role, his coaching has been transformative. David understands the challenges that come with my executive responsibilities, is an active listener, and uses innovative techniques to help me stay focused on the big picture. He has helped me build my confidence, refine my leadership skills, and navigate complex situations so that I can make key decisions. At the end of each coaching session, I leave with a list of next steps and a new framework, insight, or skill. I often replicate his coaching techniques to support my own team. What I appreciate most about David’s coaching style is that he is an empathetic listener who creates safe and trusting relationships. I highly recommend David as an exceptional leadership coach to any educational leader who needs practical and strategic guidance or a thought partner.”
Claudia Lee
Executive Director at Francophone Charter School of Oakland
05 / 24
“I have had the privilege to count on David Phillips as my leadership coach. As I begin my Executive Director role, his coaching has been transformative. David understands the challenges that come with my executive responsibilities, is an active listener, and uses innovative techniques to help me stay focused on the big picture. He has helped me build my confidence, refine my leadership skills, and navigate complex situations so that I can make key decisions. At the end of each coaching session, I leave with a list of next steps and a new framework, insight, or skill. I often replicate his coaching techniques to support my own team. What I appreciate most about David’s coaching style is that he is an empathetic listener who creates safe and trusting relationships. I highly recommend David as an exceptional leadership coach to any educational leader who needs practical and strategic guidance or a thought partner.”
Claudia Lee
Executive Director at Francophone Charter School of Oakland
05 / 24
“I have had the privilege to count on David Phillips as my leadership coach. As I begin my Executive Director role, his coaching has been transformative. David understands the challenges that come with my executive responsibilities, is an active listener, and uses innovative techniques to help me stay focused on the big picture. He has helped me build my confidence, refine my leadership skills, and navigate complex situations so that I can make key decisions. At the end of each coaching session, I leave with a list of next steps and a new framework, insight, or skill. I often replicate his coaching techniques to support my own team. What I appreciate most about David’s coaching style is that he is an empathetic listener who creates safe and trusting relationships. I highly recommend David as an exceptional leadership coach to any educational leader who needs practical and strategic guidance or a thought partner.”
Claudia Lee
Executive Director at Francophone Charter School of Oakland
06 / 24
“I had the opportunity to work with David on two separate occasions to support change management efforts. Each time, he brought a rare combination of thoughtfulness, deep expertise in K–12 organizational structure, and a clear understanding of governance versus management [to Ivy Hill Prep’s board of directors.]
David offered insightful frameworks for decision-making and wasn’t afraid to lead the tough conversations that helped us move forward as a team. As a result of this partnership, board membership increased, and the team and I were able to establish a clear and sustainable framework for governance.
Whether you're looking for someone to execute a vision or help define what that vision should be, I strongly recommend starting with David. His honesty, empathy, and sharp strategic mind truly set him apart in this work.”
Nancy Olisma
Vice President, Human Resources at Relay Graduate School of Education
06 / 24
“I had the opportunity to work with David on two separate occasions to support change management efforts. Each time, he brought a rare combination of thoughtfulness, deep expertise in K–12 organizational structure, and a clear understanding of governance versus management [to Ivy Hill Prep’s board of directors.]
David offered insightful frameworks for decision-making and wasn’t afraid to lead the tough conversations that helped us move forward as a team. As a result of this partnership, board membership increased, and the team and I were able to establish a clear and sustainable framework for governance.
Whether you're looking for someone to execute a vision or help define what that vision should be, I strongly recommend starting with David. His honesty, empathy, and sharp strategic mind truly set him apart in this work.”
Nancy Olisma
Vice President, Human Resources at Relay Graduate School of Education
06 / 24
“I had the opportunity to work with David on two separate occasions to support change management efforts. Each time, he brought a rare combination of thoughtfulness, deep expertise in K–12 organizational structure, and a clear understanding of governance versus management [to Ivy Hill Prep’s board of directors.]
David offered insightful frameworks for decision-making and wasn’t afraid to lead the tough conversations that helped us move forward as a team. As a result of this partnership, board membership increased, and the team and I were able to establish a clear and sustainable framework for governance.
Whether you're looking for someone to execute a vision or help define what that vision should be, I strongly recommend starting with David. His honesty, empathy, and sharp strategic mind truly set him apart in this work.”
Nancy Olisma
Vice President, Human Resources at Relay Graduate School of Education
07 / 24
“David made a dramatic difference in the productivity level of our organization [and is] a master facilitator with groups. He is a superb strategic thinker and he moves from highly skilled big picture analysis to rapid decision making and meticulous implementation with integrity and a remarkable work ethic.
David nurtured the spirit of collegiality amongst our team and was integral in creating a collaborative, energizing, safe work environment where everyone felt valued and heard.”
Marbel Gonzalez
Co-Founder and Executive Director at 5C and former Executive Director at GO Public Schools
07 / 24
“David made a dramatic difference in the productivity level of our organization [and is] a master facilitator with groups. He is a superb strategic thinker and he moves from highly skilled big picture analysis to rapid decision making and meticulous implementation with integrity and a remarkable work ethic.
David nurtured the spirit of collegiality amongst our team and was integral in creating a collaborative, energizing, safe work environment where everyone felt valued and heard.”
Marbel Gonzalez
Co-Founder and Executive Director at 5C and former Executive Director at GO Public Schools
07 / 24
“David made a dramatic difference in the productivity level of our organization [and is] a master facilitator with groups. He is a superb strategic thinker and he moves from highly skilled big picture analysis to rapid decision making and meticulous implementation with integrity and a remarkable work ethic.
David nurtured the spirit of collegiality amongst our team and was integral in creating a collaborative, energizing, safe work environment where everyone felt valued and heard.”
Marbel Gonzalez
Co-Founder and Executive Director at 5C and former Executive Director at GO Public Schools
08 / 24
“David was an incredible resource to me as my leadership coach as I transitioned into a new role. Over the course of a year, he helped me shift how I approached challenges and worked with my team. He asked great questions to push and reframe my thinking, and he offered sage advice when I needed another perspective. Where some coaches stay stuck in the conceptual, David was always willing to get into brass tacks when I needed it - reviewing a draft project, charting out next steps, etc. I walked away from each session with great feedback, useful resources, and a concrete plan for action. On top of all that, David is fun to work with. He's incredibly responsive and brings a great sense of humor to the work. I highly recommend David as a coach.”
Elizabeth Dill
Managing Director, Operations & Finance at Leading Now, former Chief of Staff at Hartford Public Schools
08 / 24
“David was an incredible resource to me as my leadership coach as I transitioned into a new role. Over the course of a year, he helped me shift how I approached challenges and worked with my team. He asked great questions to push and reframe my thinking, and he offered sage advice when I needed another perspective. Where some coaches stay stuck in the conceptual, David was always willing to get into brass tacks when I needed it - reviewing a draft project, charting out next steps, etc. I walked away from each session with great feedback, useful resources, and a concrete plan for action. On top of all that, David is fun to work with. He's incredibly responsive and brings a great sense of humor to the work. I highly recommend David as a coach.”
Elizabeth Dill
Managing Director, Operations & Finance at Leading Now, former Chief of Staff at Hartford Public Schools
08 / 24
“David was an incredible resource to me as my leadership coach as I transitioned into a new role. Over the course of a year, he helped me shift how I approached challenges and worked with my team. He asked great questions to push and reframe my thinking, and he offered sage advice when I needed another perspective. Where some coaches stay stuck in the conceptual, David was always willing to get into brass tacks when I needed it - reviewing a draft project, charting out next steps, etc. I walked away from each session with great feedback, useful resources, and a concrete plan for action. On top of all that, David is fun to work with. He's incredibly responsive and brings a great sense of humor to the work. I highly recommend David as a coach.”
Elizabeth Dill
Managing Director, Operations & Finance at Leading Now, former Chief of Staff at Hartford Public Schools
09 / 24
“David is an equity driven, strategic leader and consultant. He is able to tease apart difficult questions and then provide the analysis and facilitation needed to help clients answer them. He is also an excellent project manager, keeping highly complex projects on track. I would highly recommend David for strategic consulting projects!”
Kimberly Wicoff
Principal at Wicoff Consulting and former Board Member at the San Francisco Foundation
09 / 24
“David is an equity driven, strategic leader and consultant. He is able to tease apart difficult questions and then provide the analysis and facilitation needed to help clients answer them. He is also an excellent project manager, keeping highly complex projects on track. I would highly recommend David for strategic consulting projects!”
Kimberly Wicoff
Principal at Wicoff Consulting and former Board Member at the San Francisco Foundation
09 / 24
“David is an equity driven, strategic leader and consultant. He is able to tease apart difficult questions and then provide the analysis and facilitation needed to help clients answer them. He is also an excellent project manager, keeping highly complex projects on track. I would highly recommend David for strategic consulting projects!”
Kimberly Wicoff
Principal at Wicoff Consulting and former Board Member at the San Francisco Foundation
10 / 24
“David was able to effectively and lovingly wrangle a passionate group of senior leaders and help us to build an equity-centered north star and theory of action.
He's great at checking in with folks, listening deeply, and using what he's learned from a diversity of perspectives to move individuals to collective action. David embodies the notion of "getting started anyway", even when the work is complex.”
Carolyn Gramstorff
Founder and CEO at s3dx and former Chief of Equitable Systems at Educate78
10 / 24
“David was able to effectively and lovingly wrangle a passionate group of senior leaders and help us to build an equity-centered north star and theory of action.
He's great at checking in with folks, listening deeply, and using what he's learned from a diversity of perspectives to move individuals to collective action. David embodies the notion of "getting started anyway", even when the work is complex.”
Carolyn Gramstorff
Founder and CEO at s3dx and former Chief of Equitable Systems at Educate78
10 / 24
“David was able to effectively and lovingly wrangle a passionate group of senior leaders and help us to build an equity-centered north star and theory of action.
He's great at checking in with folks, listening deeply, and using what he's learned from a diversity of perspectives to move individuals to collective action. David embodies the notion of "getting started anyway", even when the work is complex.”
Carolyn Gramstorff
Founder and CEO at s3dx and former Chief of Equitable Systems at Educate78
11 / 24
“David was a strategic advisor to executive and governance teams, where he facilitated cross-functional collaboration on complex, high-impact initiatives. [He] draws on a wealth of experience to listen intently, ask the right questions, and reflect back the essential takeaways to build consensus in charting a path forward. I look forward to every opportunity to collaborate with David. He is a values-driven leader who is consistent and steadfast in his commitment to serve kids and families. Thank you, David!“
Hong Mei Pang
Head of Communications and Governance San Francisco Unified School District and former Youth and Families Advisor to San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed
11 / 24
“David was a strategic advisor to executive and governance teams, where he facilitated cross-functional collaboration on complex, high-impact initiatives. [He] draws on a wealth of experience to listen intently, ask the right questions, and reflect back the essential takeaways to build consensus in charting a path forward. I look forward to every opportunity to collaborate with David. He is a values-driven leader who is consistent and steadfast in his commitment to serve kids and families. Thank you, David!“
Hong Mei Pang
Head of Communications and Governance San Francisco Unified School District and former Youth and Families Advisor to San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed
11 / 24
“David was a strategic advisor to executive and governance teams, where he facilitated cross-functional collaboration on complex, high-impact initiatives. [He] draws on a wealth of experience to listen intently, ask the right questions, and reflect back the essential takeaways to build consensus in charting a path forward. I look forward to every opportunity to collaborate with David. He is a values-driven leader who is consistent and steadfast in his commitment to serve kids and families. Thank you, David!“
Hong Mei Pang
Head of Communications and Governance San Francisco Unified School District and former Youth and Families Advisor to San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed
12 / 24
“We have been so lucky to have David lead our school's strategic planning process. He is a very thoughtful facilitator who works hard to engage everyone in the room. David has a knack for distilling and synthesizing complex information into actionable recommendations. He is an insightful strategist who is also full of ideas about how to bring out the best in organizations and teams. I'm grateful to have had the chance to work with and learn from him.”
Erin O’Donohue
Operations Director at Wildcard Giving and former Managing Director at Three Mountains
12 / 24
“We have been so lucky to have David lead our school's strategic planning process. He is a very thoughtful facilitator who works hard to engage everyone in the room. David has a knack for distilling and synthesizing complex information into actionable recommendations. He is an insightful strategist who is also full of ideas about how to bring out the best in organizations and teams. I'm grateful to have had the chance to work with and learn from him.”
Erin O’Donohue
Operations Director at Wildcard Giving and former Managing Director at Three Mountains
12 / 24
“We have been so lucky to have David lead our school's strategic planning process. He is a very thoughtful facilitator who works hard to engage everyone in the room. David has a knack for distilling and synthesizing complex information into actionable recommendations. He is an insightful strategist who is also full of ideas about how to bring out the best in organizations and teams. I'm grateful to have had the chance to work with and learn from him.”
Erin O’Donohue
Operations Director at Wildcard Giving and former Managing Director at Three Mountains
13 / 24
“[David has] put in countless hours to guide the board through big picture questions and process improvement related to governance and strategic planning, as well as dive into the details on communication strategy and community engagement. On the latter, David took particular care to engage with and really listen to both [Francophone Charter School] staff as well as other stakeholders in the broader Oakland education community. With his excellent facilitation skills, he is able to actively listen and build bridges to move things forward, while always keeping a student-centered focus.”
Carolyn Choy
Managing Director of Real Estate Development and Partnerships at Community Arts Stabilization Trust
13 / 24
“[David has] put in countless hours to guide the board through big picture questions and process improvement related to governance and strategic planning, as well as dive into the details on communication strategy and community engagement. On the latter, David took particular care to engage with and really listen to both [Francophone Charter School] staff as well as other stakeholders in the broader Oakland education community. With his excellent facilitation skills, he is able to actively listen and build bridges to move things forward, while always keeping a student-centered focus.”
Carolyn Choy
Managing Director of Real Estate Development and Partnerships at Community Arts Stabilization Trust
13 / 24
“[David has] put in countless hours to guide the board through big picture questions and process improvement related to governance and strategic planning, as well as dive into the details on communication strategy and community engagement. On the latter, David took particular care to engage with and really listen to both [Francophone Charter School] staff as well as other stakeholders in the broader Oakland education community. With his excellent facilitation skills, he is able to actively listen and build bridges to move things forward, while always keeping a student-centered focus.”
Carolyn Choy
Managing Director of Real Estate Development and Partnerships at Community Arts Stabilization Trust
14 / 24
“I continued to be impressed at how David could work across diverse perspectives and guide the group to address the heart of an issue.
He is not afraid to address the elephant in the room, always doing so with tact and thoughtfulness. David is easy to connect with on a personal and professional level. He brings his self not his ego to each interaction.”
Dana Wellhausen
Vice President of Grants Management at Fremont Group
14 / 24
“I continued to be impressed at how David could work across diverse perspectives and guide the group to address the heart of an issue.
He is not afraid to address the elephant in the room, always doing so with tact and thoughtfulness. David is easy to connect with on a personal and professional level. He brings his self not his ego to each interaction.”
Dana Wellhausen
Vice President of Grants Management at Fremont Group
14 / 24
“I continued to be impressed at how David could work across diverse perspectives and guide the group to address the heart of an issue.
He is not afraid to address the elephant in the room, always doing so with tact and thoughtfulness. David is easy to connect with on a personal and professional level. He brings his self not his ego to each interaction.”
Dana Wellhausen
Vice President of Grants Management at Fremont Group
15 / 24
“David has been crucial in laying the foundation for educational excellence and accountability in SFUSD. Our kids deserve unwavering focus on their learning and outcomes, and [David and his team’s work] provides a framework that has aligned the staff and board in doing this essential work. I appreciate his unrelenting focus on best practices, measurable goals, and, most importantly, student outcomes.”
Emily Schwing
Lainie Motamedi Former Board President at San Francisco Unified School District
15 / 24
“David has been crucial in laying the foundation for educational excellence and accountability in SFUSD. Our kids deserve unwavering focus on their learning and outcomes, and [David and his team’s work] provides a framework that has aligned the staff and board in doing this essential work. I appreciate his unrelenting focus on best practices, measurable goals, and, most importantly, student outcomes.”
Emily Schwing
Lainie Motamedi Former Board President at San Francisco Unified School District
15 / 24
“David has been crucial in laying the foundation for educational excellence and accountability in SFUSD. Our kids deserve unwavering focus on their learning and outcomes, and [David and his team’s work] provides a framework that has aligned the staff and board in doing this essential work. I appreciate his unrelenting focus on best practices, measurable goals, and, most importantly, student outcomes.”
Emily Schwing
Lainie Motamedi Former Board President at San Francisco Unified School District
16 / 24
“David works in a way that feels personal and that allows for vulnerability and sensitivity. He offers calm during chaos. This has been a welcomed skill on our team and I believe it isn't easy to find in today's workforce. I appreciate David's approach to work but more importantly, I appreciate his approach to his colleagues and to our community.”
Annette Dennett
Project Director at Pact, Inc. and Board Chair at Francophone Charter school of Oakland
16 / 24
“David works in a way that feels personal and that allows for vulnerability and sensitivity. He offers calm during chaos. This has been a welcomed skill on our team and I believe it isn't easy to find in today's workforce. I appreciate David's approach to work but more importantly, I appreciate his approach to his colleagues and to our community.”
Annette Dennett
Project Director at Pact, Inc. and Board Chair at Francophone Charter school of Oakland
16 / 24
“David works in a way that feels personal and that allows for vulnerability and sensitivity. He offers calm during chaos. This has been a welcomed skill on our team and I believe it isn't easy to find in today's workforce. I appreciate David's approach to work but more importantly, I appreciate his approach to his colleagues and to our community.”
Annette Dennett
Project Director at Pact, Inc. and Board Chair at Francophone Charter school of Oakland
17 / 24
“David is such a great, reliable and thoughtful leader. He has this rare combination of a strategic mindset and strong operational instincts. He has the interest of the community, the organization and the partners he works with. He cares deeply for his team. Add to that the warmth and the humor... I am so lucky to have worked and to continue to work with you, David!”
Philippe Sion
Managing Director at Humanity United
17 / 24
“David is such a great, reliable and thoughtful leader. He has this rare combination of a strategic mindset and strong operational instincts. He has the interest of the community, the organization and the partners he works with. He cares deeply for his team. Add to that the warmth and the humor... I am so lucky to have worked and to continue to work with you, David!”
Philippe Sion
Managing Director at Humanity United
17 / 24
“David is such a great, reliable and thoughtful leader. He has this rare combination of a strategic mindset and strong operational instincts. He has the interest of the community, the organization and the partners he works with. He cares deeply for his team. Add to that the warmth and the humor... I am so lucky to have worked and to continue to work with you, David!”
Philippe Sion
Managing Director at Humanity United
18 / 24
“I've learned a lot from David, both directly and indirectly from working with him in transitioning, developing, and managing leadership at the school! His creative approach to overcoming some persistent challenges here makes him one of the go-to guys for everyone on the Board, as well as someone that all constituents: admin, teachers, and parents alike, can rely on to help direct [Francophone Charter School of Oakland] for success!”
Big Al Darnell
Tax & Business Advisor and Executive Trainer at ADACI, Board Member at Francophone Charter School of Oakland
18 / 24
“I've learned a lot from David, both directly and indirectly from working with him in transitioning, developing, and managing leadership at the school! His creative approach to overcoming some persistent challenges here makes him one of the go-to guys for everyone on the Board, as well as someone that all constituents: admin, teachers, and parents alike, can rely on to help direct [Francophone Charter School of Oakland] for success!”
Big Al Darnell
Tax & Business Advisor and Executive Trainer at ADACI, Board Member at Francophone Charter School of Oakland
18 / 24
“I've learned a lot from David, both directly and indirectly from working with him in transitioning, developing, and managing leadership at the school! His creative approach to overcoming some persistent challenges here makes him one of the go-to guys for everyone on the Board, as well as someone that all constituents: admin, teachers, and parents alike, can rely on to help direct [Francophone Charter School of Oakland] for success!”
Big Al Darnell
Tax & Business Advisor and Executive Trainer at ADACI, Board Member at Francophone Charter School of Oakland
19 / 24
“We are incredibly fortunate to have [David’s] depth of governance and leadership expertise. As a first time ED, I have relied heavily on David's mentorship to understand my role, in relation to the board, and my development as a leader has flourished through our collaborative relationship. David always put student achievement at the forefront of his decision making and has helped model for me how to hold both the larger picture of our school's health and stability while also not losing sight of how decisions impact individual students. I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to work with David for these past two years.”
Nora Bullock
Former Executive Director at Francophone Charter School of Oakland
19 / 24
“We are incredibly fortunate to have [David’s] depth of governance and leadership expertise. As a first time ED, I have relied heavily on David's mentorship to understand my role, in relation to the board, and my development as a leader has flourished through our collaborative relationship. David always put student achievement at the forefront of his decision making and has helped model for me how to hold both the larger picture of our school's health and stability while also not losing sight of how decisions impact individual students. I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to work with David for these past two years.”
Nora Bullock
Former Executive Director at Francophone Charter School of Oakland
19 / 24
“We are incredibly fortunate to have [David’s] depth of governance and leadership expertise. As a first time ED, I have relied heavily on David's mentorship to understand my role, in relation to the board, and my development as a leader has flourished through our collaborative relationship. David always put student achievement at the forefront of his decision making and has helped model for me how to hold both the larger picture of our school's health and stability while also not losing sight of how decisions impact individual students. I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to work with David for these past two years.”
Nora Bullock
Former Executive Director at Francophone Charter School of Oakland
20 / 24
“David served as my coach, and supported our whole Board, as we navigated a significant transition period for the school and community. David provided clear and concrete support that was consistently centered around equity and the best interests of the school's students, staff, and families. He also helped us facilitate important strategic discussions at the Board level and in partnership with our Head of School. I look forward to the opportunity to work together again with David in the future.”
Adam Jimenez-Schulman
Director of People, Operations, and Performance at Rising Academy Network and former Board Chair at Ivy Hill Prep
20 / 24
“David served as my coach, and supported our whole Board, as we navigated a significant transition period for the school and community. David provided clear and concrete support that was consistently centered around equity and the best interests of the school's students, staff, and families. He also helped us facilitate important strategic discussions at the Board level and in partnership with our Head of School. I look forward to the opportunity to work together again with David in the future.”
Adam Jimenez-Schulman
Director of People, Operations, and Performance at Rising Academy Network and former Board Chair at Ivy Hill Prep
20 / 24
“David served as my coach, and supported our whole Board, as we navigated a significant transition period for the school and community. David provided clear and concrete support that was consistently centered around equity and the best interests of the school's students, staff, and families. He also helped us facilitate important strategic discussions at the Board level and in partnership with our Head of School. I look forward to the opportunity to work together again with David in the future.”
Adam Jimenez-Schulman
Director of People, Operations, and Performance at Rising Academy Network and former Board Chair at Ivy Hill Prep
21 / 24
“David is the type of leader and colleague that everyone needs in their orbit. He is diligent in his work ethic and commitment to making a lasting impact for the communities he is serving. This is done with intention, strategy, attention to detail, and an equity lens.
Yet, one of the greatest strengths of his leadership is that he sincerely does the work to continuously grow and develop on an individual basis. He has navigated cross functional initiatives- supporting education and social local, regional, and national social justice organizations while working across lines of difference and having courageous conversations.
David does not shy away from his own continued leadership development; as he supports, manages people and projects; and coaches others on their journey. He does not just talk the talk, but also walks the walk. That is not something that all leaders do. I am glad he is in my orbit.”
Alexis Thomas
Chief Operating Officer at New School San Francisco and former Chief Strategy Officer at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
21 / 24
“David is the type of leader and colleague that everyone needs in their orbit. He is diligent in his work ethic and commitment to making a lasting impact for the communities he is serving. This is done with intention, strategy, attention to detail, and an equity lens.
Yet, one of the greatest strengths of his leadership is that he sincerely does the work to continuously grow and develop on an individual basis. He has navigated cross functional initiatives- supporting education and social local, regional, and national social justice organizations while working across lines of difference and having courageous conversations.
David does not shy away from his own continued leadership development; as he supports, manages people and projects; and coaches others on their journey. He does not just talk the talk, but also walks the walk. That is not something that all leaders do. I am glad he is in my orbit.”
Alexis Thomas
Chief Operating Officer at New School San Francisco and former Chief Strategy Officer at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
21 / 24
“David is the type of leader and colleague that everyone needs in their orbit. He is diligent in his work ethic and commitment to making a lasting impact for the communities he is serving. This is done with intention, strategy, attention to detail, and an equity lens.
Yet, one of the greatest strengths of his leadership is that he sincerely does the work to continuously grow and develop on an individual basis. He has navigated cross functional initiatives- supporting education and social local, regional, and national social justice organizations while working across lines of difference and having courageous conversations.
David does not shy away from his own continued leadership development; as he supports, manages people and projects; and coaches others on their journey. He does not just talk the talk, but also walks the walk. That is not something that all leaders do. I am glad he is in my orbit.”
Alexis Thomas
Chief Operating Officer at New School San Francisco and former Chief Strategy Officer at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
22 / 24
“[David] is knowledgeable, analytical, and compassionate. His patient, hands-on, and responsive nature ensured that our staff gathered data, vetted opportunities, and made important decisions to keep the project flowing. It was clear that David cared personally about the success of this project as he went well beyond expectations to deliver a high-quality product.
The greatest testament to David's impact is that we are actively utilizing the strategic plan that his team delivered. It guides the work of our trustees and team. Given the opportunity, I would absolutely work with David again in the future.”
Lauren Taylor
Senior Vice President of Programs and Learning at Hyde Family Foundation
22 / 24
“[David] is knowledgeable, analytical, and compassionate. His patient, hands-on, and responsive nature ensured that our staff gathered data, vetted opportunities, and made important decisions to keep the project flowing. It was clear that David cared personally about the success of this project as he went well beyond expectations to deliver a high-quality product.
The greatest testament to David's impact is that we are actively utilizing the strategic plan that his team delivered. It guides the work of our trustees and team. Given the opportunity, I would absolutely work with David again in the future.”
Lauren Taylor
Senior Vice President of Programs and Learning at Hyde Family Foundation
22 / 24
“[David] is knowledgeable, analytical, and compassionate. His patient, hands-on, and responsive nature ensured that our staff gathered data, vetted opportunities, and made important decisions to keep the project flowing. It was clear that David cared personally about the success of this project as he went well beyond expectations to deliver a high-quality product.
The greatest testament to David's impact is that we are actively utilizing the strategic plan that his team delivered. It guides the work of our trustees and team. Given the opportunity, I would absolutely work with David again in the future.”
Lauren Taylor
Senior Vice President of Programs and Learning at Hyde Family Foundation
23 / 24
“[David is] an equity-driven, ambitious, visionary volunteer board member. He has taken a creative and collaborative approach to the complex challenges facing our organization for several years. He has supported staff and families through several change cycles with outstanding communication and a deep commitment to centering underrepresented voices and viewpoints, consistently seeking out the constituents of color and the multilingual constituents in our schools.
I have learned a great deal from working alongside him, and I vouch for his equity, data, and leadership chops!”
Annie Cahoon
Director of Talent and Human Resources at Envision Education and former Principal at Francophone Charter School of Oakland
23 / 24
“[David is] an equity-driven, ambitious, visionary volunteer board member. He has taken a creative and collaborative approach to the complex challenges facing our organization for several years. He has supported staff and families through several change cycles with outstanding communication and a deep commitment to centering underrepresented voices and viewpoints, consistently seeking out the constituents of color and the multilingual constituents in our schools.
I have learned a great deal from working alongside him, and I vouch for his equity, data, and leadership chops!”
Annie Cahoon
Director of Talent and Human Resources at Envision Education and former Principal at Francophone Charter School of Oakland
23 / 24
“[David is] an equity-driven, ambitious, visionary volunteer board member. He has taken a creative and collaborative approach to the complex challenges facing our organization for several years. He has supported staff and families through several change cycles with outstanding communication and a deep commitment to centering underrepresented voices and viewpoints, consistently seeking out the constituents of color and the multilingual constituents in our schools.
I have learned a great deal from working alongside him, and I vouch for his equity, data, and leadership chops!”
Annie Cahoon
Director of Talent and Human Resources at Envision Education and former Principal at Francophone Charter School of Oakland
24 / 24
“Listening is Key: David starts by asking questions of a process or about the needs of those involved to ensure a well thought out plan. Consensus Builder: David seeks to hear from stakeholders and translates to action which is well received because he has ensured buy in on the process and end product.
Generous Colleague & Thought Partner: David is a humble leader and colleague who openly shares that his successes are because of partnerships.
Strong Equity Lens: David is comfortable with leaning in to learn more about equity and his role as a white person in an organization and whiteness in the systems he seeks to change.”
Rachel Garcia James
Revenue Enablement and Operations Director at Envestnet, Inc.
24 / 24
“Listening is Key: David starts by asking questions of a process or about the needs of those involved to ensure a well thought out plan. Consensus Builder: David seeks to hear from stakeholders and translates to action which is well received because he has ensured buy in on the process and end product.
Generous Colleague & Thought Partner: David is a humble leader and colleague who openly shares that his successes are because of partnerships.
Strong Equity Lens: David is comfortable with leaning in to learn more about equity and his role as a white person in an organization and whiteness in the systems he seeks to change.”
Rachel Garcia James
Revenue Enablement and Operations Director at Envestnet, Inc.
24 / 24
“Listening is Key: David starts by asking questions of a process or about the needs of those involved to ensure a well thought out plan. Consensus Builder: David seeks to hear from stakeholders and translates to action which is well received because he has ensured buy in on the process and end product.
Generous Colleague & Thought Partner: David is a humble leader and colleague who openly shares that his successes are because of partnerships.
Strong Equity Lens: David is comfortable with leaning in to learn more about equity and his role as a white person in an organization and whiteness in the systems he seeks to change.”
Rachel Garcia James
Revenue Enablement and Operations Director at Envestnet, Inc.
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