Dan Wild

I’ve been happily married to my wife, Kim, for 21 years and we are blessed with two great kids: Grace, who is 12 years old, and Nate, who is nine. We’ve been members of St. David’s since Grace was baptized here by Father Stephen, when we still worshipped in Mercer Hall. Previously we attended St. Anne’s in Reston, but after moving to the Countryside area we looked for a church closer to us. Kim, who was raised as an Episcopalian, discovered St. David’s, and we felt truly welcomed. It has felt like home ever since.

As Grace grew and then our son Nate was born, our involvement began to evolve---although mine was always more as a quiet observer from the pews. Kim taught Sunday school and VBS, and Grace began her participation in the annual Christmas pageant when she was four years old. Father Stephen’s retirement brought Father Kevin to the church, and more changes. We began attending the Family Service, where Grace became one of the inaugural ushers and a reader, and also joined the Girls’ Group Ministry. She continues to usher and now has moved up to the Youth Group. The Family Service definitely drew Nate in; he met more kids, grew more into an awareness and joy of worship and now truly looks forward to Sundays. Kim became a member of the Welcoming Team ministry, the Communications team, attended some Wednesday night Discipleship series, and joined a Covenant Group.

Soon thereafter we attended the Truth & Consequences workshops. As we learned more about the status of the church’s future, I realized how much need there was for more involvement; I realized there might actually be some skills I had to offer St. David’s. I began wanting to stay after the service to hear the adult homilies. I volunteered and played a small part in helping organize St. David’s First Annual Golf Tournament and Dinner to raise money for the church---although others did much more. After Kevin resigned, I could see it was the collective commitment of individual parishioners that not only sustained our covenant community---but strengthened it as it brought Reverend Mary Kay to us.

I realized then I’d like to strengthen my own commitment to St. David’s by giving more of my own time, and would now be honored to be considered for a position on the Vestry team.

A little more about me: I am a true native of the area, born in the District and raised in McLean, Virginia. I graduated from Old Dominion University in Norfolk with a degree in Business Management, and returned to a good job market in the DC area. I’ve been involved in corporate management within the government and private sectors for more than 27 years and have ‘seen it all’. I’ve participated in and led many strategic planning groups in various-sized businesses. I am a senior manager at ESRI, Inc., an international geographic software company where I manage all facets of a group of 34 technical, consulting and project management employees. I’ve been with ESRI for nine years.

St. David’s has endured a great deal of change. I bring to the table an understanding of how change affects people and organizations personally and economically and feel my skill set includes the pragmatism and sensitivity to effectively navigate it. I’m a good listener, and like to think outside the box when it applies.

I think we as a parish have done a good job energizing all age groups, particularly our youth, and I’d like to ensure we continue to build on that. I’m a true believer in openness, and I think the Vestry can magnify its communication even more to ensure all in our covenant community feel involved.

I’ve witnessed firsthand how God and His community can transform us. I think back to the time Kim and I had been married for nine years, how long we had prayed for a child when we were blessed---literally---with Grace, our daughter. Our family has continued to be graced, nourished and spiritually blessed here at St. David’s, and I would like to give back in whatever way I can.