Dave has been the Executive Director of Disability Advocates since January 2000 (and in other roles the previous five years), leading the organization as it “works alongside people with disabilities as they seek to lead self-directed lives and advocates for accessible and welcoming communities.” He has worked with state and federal laws teaching others how these laws affect the rights and responsibilities of the community and persons with disabilities. Dave has advocated successfully for increased accessibility of public spaces, expanded employment opportunities, improved public transportation, and increased affordable & accessible housing. Finally, he helped launch the Absolutely Accessible Kent project which will hold its 8th annual technical workshop in May 2026.
Dave is an active member of many community collaborations, the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. He has also served on the boards of the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan, the Greater Grand Rapids Home & Building Association, and the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights/Michigan State Advisory Committee. Finally, not related to Disability Advocates, Dave served our community first on the Grand Rapids Board of Education from 2001 to 2004 and then on the Kent County Commission from 2013 through 2022.