David has held both academic and commercial senior roles. As an Associate Professor at Deakin University, David was engaged in teaching and researching in eCommerce and supply chain management. He was also a member of the University's Academic Board and published in academic journals as well as engaging with industry to organise placements for students during their degree studies. During this time, David was also engaged in consultancies with organisations such as KPMG and Bristol University, as well as many other businesses.

Commercially, David has been in partnership with a significant agricultural business (4,000 acres) for over 12 years in central Victoria. The farming property grew fine wool, prime lambs and cropping. In addition, he ran a flight training organisation, Golden Plains Aviation, for over 10 years, as well as being the Chief Flight Instructor.

David is heavily engaged in leadership development projects, the most recent of which is a project examining the importance of good governance in not-for-profits and the impact faith-based governance has on leadership. 

David is a Fellow of the Australian Computer Society (which has awarded him for his work in eCommerce) and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (awarded for his contribution to governance in large organisations). David’s directorships include a number of NFP and statutory boards in health, education and employment. David was President of the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, the second largest independent chamber in Australia.