Dave Schmidt

Personal / Professional Accomplishments related to my service on the Vestry: I have been a practicing Episcopalian my entire life. I have been substantially involved in the church throughout my life. I was baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church. As a young adult, I participated in the Young People’s Fellowship (YPF, a ministry designed for the youth of the parish) and as an acolyte for many years. Since then, I served on the Vestry (at Saint David’s Episcopal Church in Gales Ferry, CT). I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and sincerely hope to have the privilege to serve all of you, and our broader community, in this capacity at St. David’s.

I have an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and an MBA from the Wharton School. I served in our nation’s nuclear submarine force for 6 years to begin my career. Since then, I’ve held executive positions at several outstanding organizations, among them Westinghouse, Gateway, and AOL. I believe that my background and education would serve me well on the Vestry for our church. I feel that I would bring a strong sense of perspective, balance, and financial acumen to our church leadership team.

My involvement with St. David’s: I have been an active member of the St. David’s community since 1995. I was a parishioner from 1995 through 1998, at which time I moved away (to Philadelphia, then to San Diego). I was never far from our church, as I still returned to the area regularly to visit family and friends here. I returned to Ashburn in 2004 and returned to St David’s at that time. During my time at St. David’s, I have been active in many activities, among them (a) discernment committee for Holly Hanback (candidate for ordainment as an Episcopal deacon), (b) Truth or Consequences workshop facilitator, (c) active in our support of our church’s causes, programs, and charities, among them REACH, the Bromley Mission, the Loudoun Interfaith Relief food pantry, Relay for Life, and Shepherd Group. I have always given of my first fruits to our church and our community.

Why I’m running for Vestry: I very much want to expand my Christian leadership in our church. I’m running for our Vestry for the continued opportunity to serve God, His Christian community, and each one of you.

My Vestry priorities: Continue to evolve and improve our Christian faith community, including the following: (1) continue our investment in , and recognition of, outstanding leadership for our church, (2) maintain and nurture a strong Christian foundation among our children and young adults, the future of our parish community, (3) support a strong financial framework for our church, and (4) build upon our momentum in spreading God’s word, within our church, among other Christians, and among those who do not yet know Him.

I would be honored and privileged to serve all of you in this capacity if called to do so. Many thanks for considering my candidacy.