David's extensive experience in the policy intersection of energy and the environment spans over two decades of service in both the public and private sectors.  David joins MJB&A after 10 years at National Grid / KeySpan (which was acquired by National Grid in 2007) as the Executive Vice President, U.S. External Affairs, for National Grid; and EVP Corporate Affairs and Chief Environmental Officer, for KeySpan.  In these roles, David was responsible for all public relations, government relations, crisis management, community support, brand strategy, internal and external communications, media, environmental operations, and environmental policy for the largest energy utility in the U.S. Northeast.  Much of David's professional career has focused on the greening of the energy industry and establishment of major energy infrastructure including transmission projects within the U.S. and trans-border to access cleaner and more diverse sources of energy.   David has an extensive knowledge of the Canadian energy market and infrastructure, including supply options for the U.S.

During his tenure at National Grid / KeySpan, David developed and executed communications strategies for all major projects and initiatives.  As the chief spokesperson for the company, David was the communications lead in all crisis management situations and has extensive experience mobilizing the resources necessary to quickly respond to emergencies.

Prior to National Grid / KeySpan, David worked on energy issues in the public sector in Canada and the United States.  From 1988 to 1993, after several years in private law practice in Canada, where he was awarded a Queen's Counsel designation, David served in New York as the Senior International Trade Counsel for the government of Alberta, focusing on international trade and energy issues.   Following an intense effort to achieve the passage of the Canada - U.S. Free Trade Agreement, David focused on efforts to significantly increase the flow of natural gas from Alberta to the underserved U.S. Northeast market.

David returned to Canada to be Deputy Minister (the most-senior civil service position) of Energy for the Province of Alberta, the largest energy producing region in North America.  He held this post from 1993 to 1995, a critical period in the development of Alberta's oil sands deposits - the largest and most strategic resource available to the U.S. and now the focus of significant environmental issues and initiatives.

David also lead the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), a national trade association representing all significant oil and gas producers in Canada, addressing energy issues throughout North America.  CAPP was an early proponent of climate change policy, initiating the first voluntary action recognition program in Canada in the early 1990s.  In that capacity, David was a delegate to the Kyoto conference on climate change in 1997.

David resides on Long Island and in New York City and is active in the New York community.  A frequent spokesperson on energy and environmental issues, he holds current or past board positions in a number of organizations, including the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce (past chair), the New York City Police Foundation, Audubon New York, Long Island Housing Partnership, Citizens Budget Commission, and the New York League of Conservation Voters.

David has Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degrees from the University of Alberta.  He did post-graduate study in international law at Australian National University as a Rotary Foundation Fellow.  He is a member of the Law Society of Alberta, the Canadian Bar Association, and is eligible for admission to the New York Bar.