Meet the Founders

Shortly after graduating from Columbia College in 1985, David returned to his alma mater to coach rowing, and for the next few years he coached rowing and worked in the admissions and financial aid offices.

After receiving his MBA from Columbia in 1992, he launched a long higher education career that included positions in admissions, athletics, financial aid, academic advising, and student affairs. For many years, he served as both the Executive Director of Undergraduate Financial Aid and the Senior Associate Dean of Student Affairs.

Since Undergraduate Admissions at Columbia reported to the Dean of Student Affairs, David participated in all strategic planning for both recruitment and selection and often sat on the admissions committee. And because all financial aid in the Ivy League is need-based (there are no athletic scholarships), he was also heavily involved in the athletic recruitment process for all 32 sports.

As the Senior Associate Dean of Student Affairs, David managed several departments over the years, including the Academic Advising Centers, the Pre-Professional Advising Office, the Office of Residential Programs, Student Development and Activities, the Office of Scholars and Fellowships, and Student Success Programs. For 15 years, he also served as the primary academic advisor for 20 students per year in both Columbia College and the Fu Foundation School of Engineering & Applied Science.

Since leaving Columbia University, David has helped many families navigate the college admissions process, drawing on a rare combination of expertise in admissions, financial aid, academic advising, athletics, and college success. More recently, he has shifted his focus to after-admission college success advising, helping students optimize their four-year college experience.