As Assistant Director for the sixth busiest airport in the world, Phoenix Sky Harbor International, David is responsible for the Airport’s Capital Improvement Program, Fiscal Management, Construction Programs, Concessions, Airline Affairs, Terminal Leasing, Land Development, Technology Programs, Industrial Park Management, Marketing and Air Service Development.

He was selected for the City of Phoenix Management Intern Program in 1987; has earned four City Manager Excellence Awards and has received numerous awards including the 1998 Arizona SBA Minority and Small Business Advocate of the Year, the 1996 Grand Canyon Minority Supplier Development Council Corporate Advocate of the Year, the 1996 Public Advocate of the Year for the National Center for American Indian Development, and the 2002 City of Phoenix Medweek Advocate of the year.

How did your coursework prepare you for your career?

> The courses emphasized both technical skills and policy development/strategy that is essential to a successful career (i.e. do the right thing (strategy/policy) and doing it right (technical). 

What steps led to your current profession?

> I was strategic in that I started my career at the bottom of the top through a management internship for the City of Phoenix. Then I followed through with a series of positions and opportunities matching my skills with the needs of the organization. 

How did the Heinz School help you gain confidence in your ability to manage and/or lead?

> The Heinz School gave me the skills and confidence to tackle almost any problem. The training was more challenging than the practical experience to date. Leadership comes from competence under stress and fatigue. 

What words of advice would you give to prospective and/or current students?

> Be strategic in how you begin your career after graduate school. Plan at least five years out and don't worry about salary or status!!