Born in Anchorage, Alaska in 1956, Dave’s family moved from Virginia to a farm near Monticello, Florida when he was 8 years old. There he developed a love of the outdoors and a farmer’s work ethic. He went on to graduate from Jefferson County High School in 1974 as Saludatorian and then from the University of Florida’s School of Forest Resources and Conservation in 1979 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree.

Dave worked in pole procurement for four years with Southern Wood Piedmont Company in Lake City, Florida and then in timber procurement for over six years with Balfour Pulpwood Company in Thomasville, Georgia. In 1989, he went to work with Southern Forestry Consultants, Inc. and two years later became a partner in that firm. Dave subsequently became Vice President of SFC and manager of their Monticello, Florida office, where he is still located.

Dave is a Registered Forester in Georgia, a Certified Forester, a licensed real estate salesperson in Florida, and a licensed commercial pesticide applicator in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Dave has held many offices within the Society of American Foresters, including Chapter Chair, Florida State Chair, and SESAF Chair. He has also been active with the Florida Forestry Association, the Association of Consulting Foresters, and the Florida Farm Bureau, along with other organizations.

Dave has been married to his wife Mona since 1987 and has a son, Jacob, and a daughter, Abby. He is active in his church, Element 3, in Tallahassee, and the non-profit organization Builders Care. In his “spare” time, Dave manages his family’s cattle/timber farm and enjoys hunting, fishing, and sports of all kinds.