“Treat Others How You Want to Be Treated”

David M. Wilburn is a seasoned force in the global power generation industry, combining over 30 years of deep technical expertise, cross-functional leadership, and unwavering ethical integrity. As a business development and marketing strategist with a unique origin story—beginning as a hands-on millwright and culminating in spearheading multimillion-dollar deals in nuclear steam turbine retrofits—Wilburn exemplifies what it means to lead with both grit and grace. His career reflects a commitment to finding data-driven, cost-effective solutions that drive tangible growth across complex industrial ecosystems.

Wilburn’s journey is as unconventional as it is inspiring. He put himself through college while working full-time in the field, ultimately earning a degree in Physiological Psychology from San Francisco State University with a curriculum deeply rooted in neurophysiology, anatomy, and physics. This blend of hard science and hands-on experience gave him a uniquely analytical yet practical lens on engineering problems, enabling him to not only diagnose inefficiencies but also to design and execute strategies for sustainable operational improvement.

His early career saw him working as a field engineer across the western United States, overseeing installations of steam turbines, gas turbines, and hydro-generators. These formative years established his ability to work with precision in high-stakes environments and laid the groundwork for his eventual transition into marketing and business development. Wilburn’s adaptability and quick learning curve meant he was soon negotiating high-value contracts, leading competitive bids, and developing new business strategies for major energy corporations.

At Siemens, Wilburn uncovered and championed an emerging niche in nuclear steam turbine retrofits, eventually scaling it into a $500 million business within just two years. His accomplishments there weren’t limited to numbers; he also restructured the proposal process, refined performance guarantees, and cultivated high-performing teams driven by mutual respect and a shared commitment to excellence. He helped secure deals with strategic partners including Westinghouse and Entergy, and negotiated innovative contract structures that prioritized long-term customer value.

Wilburn continued to sharpen his commercial and leadership acumen at companies like Mitsubishi Power Systems, BHI Energy, and Alstom Power. At each stop, he implemented disciplined estimating protocols, integrated cross-product line services, and promoted collaborative processes that improved communication across organizational silos. Whether guiding complex negotiations impacted by Brexit’s economic ripple or rebuilding operational frameworks for companies entering new markets, Wilburn’s approach remained rooted in data, empathy, and strategic foresight.

In 2018, Wilburn founded Catalyst Consulting, LLC, where he has since offered transformative consulting services to companies navigating turbulent market conditions or seeking to reposition themselves in emerging sectors. His work with clients such as Alaron Nuclear and TurbinePROs LLC demonstrated his capacity to deliver strategic insights in record time—sometimes within a matter of weeks—while fostering organizational alignment and a renewed sense of mission. His results consistently affirm that his value extends far beyond traditional KPIs; he is a mentor, a strategist, and a catalyst for change.

David’s experience is not confined to U.S. borders. He has worked extensively with Japanese, German, English, and French organizations, forging professional relationships that cross cultural boundaries and strengthen international collaboration. While he does not speak a second language fluently, his global mindset and adaptive communication skills allow him to thrive in diverse environments. He is a proud member of ASME and actively follows developments in the Fusion Power sector, constantly staying ahead of technological curves.

His passion for the outdoors reflects the resilience and balance he brings to his professional life. An avid golfer, mountain biker, and fisherman, David finds joy and reflection in nature—recharging in ways that mirror his leadership style: steady, focused, and strategic. He also exercises daily, embodying a philosophy of consistency and perseverance that informs his business mindset.

Wilburn holds a deep personal conviction in servant leadership, grounded in his Orthodox Christian faith and the guiding principle of the Golden Rule. Whether presenting to corporate boards, advising engineering teams, or speaking at industry forums such as the Electric Power Research Institute, he remains committed to respectful discourse, clear communication, and shared success. He is not one to seek attention for the sake of it; instead, he elevates others, encourages growth, and aligns diverse groups around common goals.

Today, David Wilburn is actively seeking board service opportunities where his unique mix of technical mastery, business insight, and principled leadership can contribute to long-term value creation. Particularly drawn to sectors such as nuclear, fusion, HVAC, energy manufacturing, and industrial power transmission, he aims to advise forward-thinking companies on how to unlock operational efficiencies, capitalize on emerging trends, and build resilient strategies in an ever-shifting global landscape.

Character:

David is deeply ethical and grounded in integrity, guided by his faith and lifelong commitment to treating others with respect and fairness. He fosters environments of trust and collaboration, enabling others to thrive and innovate alongside him.

Knowledge:

With over three decades of experience across nuclear, fossil, and industrial power systems, David possesses an exceptional depth of technical and business knowledge. He blends hands-on engineering insight with high-level strategy to deliver actionable, scalable solutions.

Strategic:

David’s ability to analyze objective data, assess risk, and align business structures with market opportunities has led to the development and execution of multimillion-dollar growth strategies. His foresight in emerging markets like nuclear retrofits demonstrates a rare aptitude for long-term planning and impact.

Communication:

Whether negotiating international contracts or mentoring internal teams, David communicates with clarity, purpose, and empathy. He excels at translating complex ideas into actionable strategies that resonate with executives, engineers, and clients alike.