David Evans, Chartered Advisor in PhilanthropyⓇ, helps nonprofit organizations cultivate meaningful relationships within their communities. He founded Leverage Trust to elevate fundraising in an area where most nonprofits struggle: sustainable programs for planned giving. He is intentional about restoring trust within communities and removing obstacles that discourage members of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds from working toward a unifying goal – participating in the pride of their local community. The joy gained from contributing as valued citizens is manifested when families share their time, talents and treasures with their local community organizations.

This work began in 1987, when David consulted as “acting coach” in the video version of Dr. Stephen Covey’s book: Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Powerful Lessons in Personal Change,1989. Dr. Covey’s message, “seek first to understand, then be understood” and the concept of the “Paradigm Shift” helped David adjust his focus toward helping every individual identify the education and resources needed to realize their potential.

In 1989, David experienced his first personal paradigm shift, earning one of three spots on Aetna Life’s Bench Strength management program. He utilized his media background to help boost agent productivity 800% in 27 months, deploying new, innovative computer-based CRM systems that automated agent contact with existing customers, increasing sales across product lines.

In 1995, a group of high school dropouts at a nonprofit client challenged him to “stick around and see what it’s like to live in our world!” He pivoted and immediately began evaluating expectations vs. outcomes for the students. Equipped with discouraging metrics, David sought the help of Seattle partners including Boeing, Starbucks, Nordstrom and the Seattle Community Colleges, leading the agency in formulation of a school-to-work readiness curriculum.

Currently, David is a 15-year elected public school Governing Board member. He serves as a Director on state and national education boards. He is Co-Chair of a Maricopa Community College Advisory Council where he “seeks first to understand” the persistence and preparation Higher Education demands of students and the critical need for articulation between educators. This knowledge helps him influence K-12 education policies and practices that will better prepare students for the rigors of relevant, work-based education and service back to the community.

David is enthusiastic about offering students and educators the opportunity to build a foundation of collaboration, creativity and problem solving through coding. He envisions that as BootUpPD initiatives scale, K-12 educators will have no other option than to upgrade their curriculum in response to a nation of more engaged, self-directed students.