David is CEO and founder of Ocean Regenerative Aquaculture (ORA). ORA researches, develops and applies bio-fortification solutions prioritizing native species used to establish and scale climate resilient restoration of bio-diversity flora and improved nature-based carbon capture. David worked for over two decades with Teck Resources, Canada's oldest and largest mineral resource company, where he served as Vice President, Sustainability. Prior to taking on that role, he led its work in regulatory compliance with environmental laws, corporate risk identification and mitigation and development of governance management systems, corporate affairs, community and Indigenous peoples engagement and project assessment and permitting. As VP, he formed a cross-functional working group that developed and launched of a 20 year sustainability strategy. During that time, Teck's work and public engagement and reporting led to its recognition by the World Economic Forum as one of the top 100 most sustainable corporations in the world and best in class in extractive industries by the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. David conceived the "Zinc Saves Kids" initiative, a partnership with UNICEF and served on UNICEF Canada's board. ZSK, now operated by the International Zinc Association, provides essential micronutrient treatments for young children, which bolster early brain development and the immune system, minimizing the detrimental health effects of a common disease - diarrhea (the third largest cause of mortality in children). Since its inception, ZSK has supplied treatments to over 160 million children in developing countries. For over 30 years, David has worked with Indigenous groups and communities to pursue participatory development and environmental stewardship. He worked with the University of British Columbia as an Adjunct Professor and Executive in Residence and helped conceive and launch the Canadian International Resources and Development Institute (CIRDI) where he served as the principal of Summer Institute. His academic research interests focus on resource stewardship and the development of an Extractive Sector Resources and Development Framework, which applies a "5 Capitals" approach to evaluating how resource sector projects may be governed and best enabled to contribute to sustainability and society. He has an avid interest in life-long learning and served on the board of Science World where he advocated for integration of sustainability and regenerative development in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) learning.
Listed skills include Public Speaking, Sustainability Strategy In The Resource Sector, Extractive Sector Governance, Community Planning And Participatory Development, and 9 others.