David Cook is a seasoned and strategic executive with over 37 years of experience in audit, risk management, fraud investigation, and business process improvement. With a proven legacy of leadership and operational excellence, David served nearly four decades at Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, where he rose to the role of Managing Director and played an instrumental role on the firm’s Risk Leadership Team.
Known as a “Master Problem Solver,” David has led transformative audit programs and guided enterprise-wide risk management strategies that span global operations in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and China. Under his leadership, Baird’s internal audit function transitioned to a highly efficient, agile, and consultative model—empowering teams to drive measurable value while mitigating risk across the organization.
David’s executive contributions include directing fraud investigations, providing expert witness testimony, launching enterprise risk matrices, acquisition due diligence, and integrating advanced data analytics into the firm’s Risk and audit operations. He also successfully implemented the CCH TeamMate Audit Management System, improving productivity and audit visibility across Baird’s domestic and international offices.
David’s leadership extends beyond corporate settings. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and holds the Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)—credentials that underscore his deep domain knowledge and governance acumen. He also served as President of the IIA Milwaukee Chapter, co-chaired the IIA Midwestern Regional Conference, and held various leadership roles within the Institute of Internal Auditors, where he remains a mentor in the Emerging Leaders Program.
A passionate advocate for leadership development, David mentors graduate students through the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Lubar Graduate Mentoring Program, and he previously served as Treasurer and Board Member of the Family Enrichment Center of Ozaukee, where he chaired the finance committee for nearly a decade.
David earned both his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and MBA in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. His strong educational foundation and decades of leadership in financial services, combined with international experience and data-driven insights, make him a compelling board candidate.
As he transitions from full-time executive leadership, David is actively seeking board and advisory opportunities in the financial services, manufacturing, and retail sectors—where he can contribute his expertise in audit, governance, risk mitigation, and process transformation. Motivated by a desire to give back and help organizations solve complex challenges, David brings both strategic insight and operational experience to any boardroom.
When not advising companies or mentoring future leaders, David enjoys staying active through fitness and golf, and has a keen personal interest in investments. His personal mission is simple yet powerful: “Master Problem Solver and Process Improvement Guru.”
Character: David is a principled and dependable leader who approaches challenges with integrity, accountability, and a strong sense of purpose.
Knowledge: With over 37 years of experience, David possesses deep expertise in audit, risk management, data analytics, and global financial operations.
Strategic: He is a forward-thinking executive who has successfully led transformational initiatives and implemented agile, high-impact audit strategies across international markets.
Communication: David is an effective communicator and mentor, skilled at translating complex risk issues into actionable insights and fostering collaboration across all levels of an organization.
