David Couse’s journey through over three decades of service in finance, leadership, government, and public protection has been driven by a singular mission: to use his breadth of knowledge and experience to guide institutions and individuals toward long-term value and sustainable impact. With 35 years of professional experience across diverse sectors including banking, government finance, military service, and insurance, David brings a depth of insight and a versatile leadership style honed through some of the most complex challenges in both public and private sector operations. His career is a testament to the power of lifelong learning, strategic leadership, and unwavering dedication to service.
David began his professional path in the United States Air Force, where he served as a police officer for over a decade, developing foundational skills in investigation, public safety, and operations management. His time in the Air Force took him across the globe—from Korea to Germany—instilling in him an acute sense of discipline, cultural intelligence, and resilience. These early experiences formed the basis of his leadership ethos: to lead with integrity, adapt with agility, and make decisions grounded in accountability and mission-driven results.
Transitioning from military to civilian service, David took on one of the most demanding roles in public welfare as a Child Protective Specialist with the State of Florida. Here, he worked as a key investigator in sensitive child abuse cases, interfacing with families, courts, and multidisciplinary teams. This role required not only strong investigative skills but deep empathy and emotional intelligence—attributes that would continue to define David’s professional style. It was during this time that he also began to build his knowledge in financial services and risk management, recognizing the systemic challenges that vulnerable populations face.
David’s foray into the private sector began with City National Bank, where he rose to the role of Vice President of Financial Services. In this capacity, he managed eight local branches and led sales exceeding $50 million, earning recognition as a Presidents Club member and top performer year after year. David’s ability to combine financial acumen with customer-focused service positioned him as a trusted advisor in investment banking, retirement planning, and credit strategies. His leadership during this time showcased his strategic vision and ability to scale financial performance across distributed teams.
His transition back to government work brought a new chapter in strategic financial planning and project management. As a Budget Specialist for federal agencies, including FEMA and Medicare/Medicaid programs, David played a pivotal role in aligning operational goals with budgetary compliance and regulatory standards. Whether managing complex budget cycles, streamlining travel and billing systems, or leading cross-functional teams through change management initiatives, David’s analytical rigor and leadership consistently advanced agency performance. His part-time engagement with FEMA as a Travel Agency Specialist further emphasizes his flexibility and continued commitment to public service during times of crisis.
An educator at heart, David has consistently leveraged his platform to teach and empower others—especially in the realm of financial literacy. Through his volunteer work in community churches, he teaches individuals and families “how money works,” helping to break cycles of poverty through financial empowerment. His ability to simplify complex financial concepts and engage diverse audiences reflects not only his technical knowledge but his strong communication and mentorship capabilities.
David’s educational background is equally impressive. He holds an MBA in Project Management from Saint Leo University and has earned multiple certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP), Level 2 DoD Financial Management Certification, and multiple insurance licenses across life, health, property, and casualty domains. Notably, David has embraced technological evolution with recent certifications in cybersecurity and electronic operations from Syracuse University, positioning himself at the intersection of finance and digital innovation.
What distinguishes David is not just his knowledge or tenure but his ability to apply it across disciplines, from cybersecurity to healthcare budgeting, from law enforcement to high-level investment strategies. His past roles with Systemax, government departments, and his consulting in change management highlight a rare versatility: David does not simply perform—he transforms systems, empowers people, and drives results across organizational lines.
In every chapter of his career, David has led with a deep sense of purpose. Whether investigating financial anomalies, leading sales teams, educating communities, or managing public sector budgets, his guiding principle remains the same: contribute value, protect integrity, and build systems that work for the long term. His impact is most deeply felt not just in numbers and metrics, but in the trust he earns and the lives he improves.
Character:
David exemplifies character through his lifelong commitment to service—from his early years in military and child protection roles to his current work in federal finance and community education. His integrity and empathy are evident in every leadership role he undertakes, always prioritizing people and ethical decision-making.
Knowledge:
With a multifaceted career spanning finance, project management, investigations, and cybersecurity, David possesses a uniquely broad and deep knowledge base. His certifications and continuing education demonstrate a commitment to staying relevant and forward-thinking in today’s evolving economic and digital landscape.
Strategic:
David brings a sharp strategic mindset, having led budget operations for federal programs, guided investment strategies in the private sector, and executed change management in high-stakes environments. He approaches problems systemically, aligning tactical execution with long-term vision and organizational objectives.
Communication:
A natural educator and advisor, David communicates complex financial and operational concepts in ways that resonate across audiences—from executives and policymakers to underserved communities. His ability to lead through clarity, inspiration, and empathy makes him a sought-after mentor and collaborator.
