“With a passion for working with people, I blend my skills in team mentorship, HR processes, and strategic planning to foster warm and inclusive work environments.”

David Bauer III is a dynamic and people-focused executive with over 11 years of professional experience spanning the hospitality, legal services, professional services, and nonprofit sectors. Known for his strengths in people management, HR process optimization, and strategic planning, David has a proven ability to foster inclusive workplace cultures and drive operational excellence.

Currently an accountability coach at Fireproof Performance, David helps professionals and teams enhance accountability, align goals, and elevate performance. His prior leadership roles include serving as café director for Chartwells School Dining Services K12, where he led multi-unit operations, launched catering programs, and improved employee engagement and customer satisfaction.

Earlier in his career, David managed HR, recruiting, and compliance operations at Moschouris Management, and held leadership positions at Chipotle Mexican Grill and McDonald’s, where he consistently improved retention, reduced waste, and drove quality scores. At Michigan State University, he led the onboarding of 1,200+ student workers and was recognized for his contributions to compliance and employee development.

David is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion. He founded the student board of diversity and inclusion within the Department of Theatre at Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. This initiative demonstrated his early commitment to equity and empowerment—values he continues to embody today through leadership in his community and professional life.

He currently serves on the committee for an LGBTQ+ choir, contributing to its strategic rebranding and community engagement. David is a confident public speaker and has presented on topics such as compensation practices in law firms and hospitality best practices. While most of his work is U.S.-based, he has collaborated with firms in Canada and Ireland and is open to global board opportunities.

Passionate about helping organizations grow, David is actively seeking board roles where his fresh perspective, hands-on experience, and inclusive leadership can make a meaningful impact.

Character: David is a values-driven leader who champions inclusivity, integrity, and a people-first approach in all aspects of his work.

Knowledge: With over 11 years of cross-industry experience, David brings deep expertise in HR processes, operational efficiency, and organizational development.

Strategic: He has a proven ability to build and implement data-informed strategies that improve performance, engagement, and long-term growth.

Communication: A confident speaker and mentor, David excels at conveying ideas clearly, fostering collaboration, and inspiring teams across diverse environments.