David Clisch is a seasoned executive whose career embodies dedication, resilience, and transformation across some of the world’s most challenging industries. With over thirty years of experience spanning food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, mining, consumer goods, and manufacturing, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to bridge technical expertise with visionary leadership. Known for his passion for process improvement, team development, and operational excellence, David’s journey is as much about shaping organizations as it is about inspiring people to reach their highest potential.
From his early days serving in the United States Navy, where he rose honorably to the rank of Chief Petty Officer, David learned the importance of discipline, accountability, and mission-focused leadership. His specialized training in nuclear power and electrical systems provided a technical foundation that would prove invaluable in his civilian career. The Navy instilled in him not only a deep respect for precision and safety but also the ability to lead under pressure, qualities that continue to guide his professional ethos today.
Following his military service, David transitioned into roles of increasing responsibility within industrial operations, quickly establishing himself as a trusted leader in engineering and maintenance. At Merck, he supervised utilities operations in the pharmaceutical sector, ensuring compliance with rigorous standards while maintaining the reliability of critical infrastructure. His ability to balance technical oversight with cross-functional collaboration marked him as an executive capable of thriving in highly regulated, global environments.
David’s career advanced further at Cleveland-Cliffs and US Sugar Corporation, where he managed electrical systems, automation, and maintenance operations in large-scale industrial and food processing facilities. Here, he not only strengthened his technical leadership but also developed a deep understanding of how diverse industries share common challenges in reliability, safety, and process optimization. His reputation grew as someone who could bring consistency, efficiency, and forward-thinking solutions to any operational setting.
At The Coca-Cola Company, David stepped into a leadership role managing production and maintenance across a one-million-square-foot facility with multiple packaging and blending operations. The scale and complexity of this role highlighted his ability to unify large teams, implement safety-first practices, and maintain compliance across every function. His leadership not only kept operations running efficiently but also built a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, leaving a lasting impact on the plant and its workforce.
David’s progression continued through senior roles at Crown Linen, Future Foam, and PepsiCo, where he became recognized as a leader capable of delivering measurable gains in efficiency, safety, and team performance. At Future Foam, he implemented process improvements that increased production speeds while simultaneously driving safety initiatives that reduced recordable injuries to zero in just one year. At PepsiCo, he led engineering and maintenance teams in developing and executing maintenance plans, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, and embedding continuous improvement processes that elevated operational performance and reliability.
Currently serving as Director of Maintenance at The Father’s Table, David oversees engineering and maintenance operations across two high-volume production plants, together producing over 140,000 cheesecakes and 90,000 cake rolls daily. In this role, he directs more than 40 technical staff and manages capital and maintenance budgets, ensuring that the company meets its ambitious production goals without compromising on safety, quality, or efficiency. His leadership emphasizes both strategic oversight and hands-on involvement, fostering a culture where innovation and accountability thrive.
Throughout his career, David has remained deeply committed to the principles of compliance, safety, and sustainability. He has worked extensively with regulatory bodies such as the FDA, USDA, OSHA, MSHA, EPA, and ISO, ensuring that organizations not only meet but exceed industry standards. His expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and root cause analysis has enabled him to consistently identify inefficiencies and drive solutions that lead to long-term growth and competitiveness.
Beyond his technical and managerial achievements, David is a leader defined by his people-first approach. He has always emphasized the importance of team development, mentoring, and cultivating an environment where individuals feel valued and empowered. His leadership style reflects a balance between strong accountability and compassionate guidance, creating workplaces where people can grow while organizations excel.
David holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management and a Graduate Certificate in Technology Management from the University of South Florida. He is also a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and continues to build upon his lifelong pursuit of learning and leadership. Outside of his professional life, David treasures time with his family, grandchildren, and community, finding joy in golfing, church, and the relationships that keep him grounded.
Character:
David exemplifies integrity, resilience, and service-driven leadership. His Navy background and decades of corporate experience underscore a lifelong commitment to responsibility and accountability. He leads by example, creating trust and respect at every level of the organization.
Knowledge:
With over three decades of experience across multiple industries, David brings unmatched expertise in engineering, maintenance, compliance, and process improvement. His mastery of Lean Six Sigma, safety protocols, and regulatory frameworks positions him as a trusted authority. He integrates technical depth with strategic foresight to deliver solutions that are both practical and transformative.
Strategic:
David approaches challenges with a visionary mindset, always seeking long-term improvements rather than short-term fixes. His ability to align capital investments, safety initiatives, and operational priorities ensures organizations are not only efficient but also future-ready. He consistently translates big-picture thinking into actionable strategies that yield measurable results.
Communication:
A skilled communicator, David bridges the gap between frontline staff, executive leadership, and external stakeholders. He believes in transparency and clarity, fostering open dialogue that drives collaboration and accountability. His ability to articulate complex issues in accessible terms makes him an effective leader and a trusted advisor at the board level.
