We are excited to announced that the UWATX Board of Directors has appointed David C. Smith, founder of Hill Country Ride for AIDS, as Chief Executive Officer effective immediately today.
David has been in executive nonprofit leadership for more than 20 years in Austin, leading mission-focused and results-driven organizations to substantial growth. While serving as the founder and Executive Director of Hill Country Ride for AIDS from 2001-2012, he was concurrently the founder and Executive Director of Mamma Jamma Ride for Breast Cancer, making both rides two of the largest in the country.
“As we face a rapidly changing city, I am very enthusiastic about what the future holds for us, and look forward to engaging and collaborating with other community organizations, individuals, corporations, and our elected officials to come together around a common dream for a stronger, more vibrant community for all.
It’s going to take all of us to ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities to fully enjoy the promise of Austin, and together, we can get there.”
–David C. Smith
In 2011, David started his own consulting firm with an emphasis on nonprofit clients with services including fundraising, strategic planning, executive coaching and collaborative projects. Most recently, David served as the Interim Executive Director of Conspirare from September 2012 to August 2013 and Interim Executive Director of The Thinkery from October 2014 to September 2015.
“The board of directors was beyond impressed with David’s extensive nonprofit experience, outstanding leadership skills and enthusiasm for our mission,” said Catherine Morse, UWATX Board Chair and General Counsel and Senior Director of Public Affairs at Samsung Austin Semiconductor. “His experience with Hill Country Ride for AIDS proves his ability to bring various organizations together for the greater good of the cause, which is what our entire community needs on a larger scale.”
In late October, after 12 years with UWATX, former President Debbie Bresette officially stepped down from the organization to retire.
“I am honored to be the next leader of United Way for Greater Austin, a staple in our community,” said David. “For more than 90 years, the organization has supported the Greater Austin community in so many ways: by expanding corporate social responsibility in the workplace all across Austin, by building the largest volunteer force in the city and providing hundreds of opportunities for individuals and families to give their time to better their community, and by creating robust programming that makes a direct impact on families who are struggling.
“The Greater Austin area continues to set records for growth. As we face a rapidly changing city, I am very enthusiastic about what the future holds for us, and look forward to engaging and collaborating with other community organizations, individuals, corporations, and our elected officials to come together around a common dream for a stronger, more vibrant community for all. It’s going to take all of us to ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities to fully enjoy the promise of Austin, and together, we can get there.”
At UWATX, David will focus on enhancing collaborative partnerships across the community, supporting existing leadership at the organization and developing innovative ways for companies and individuals to connect with and give back to those struggling within the Greater Austin population.