David White, Esq., CAE Named Executive Director

After a thoughtful and extensive national search, David F. White, Esq., CAE, has been named the Executive Director of the Northeast Public Power Association (NEPPA).

"I am incredibly excited to be joining the NEPPA team," says Mr. White. "As the new Executive Director, my priorities are engaging the membership, continuing to coordinate NEPPA’s OSHA certification, and developing long and short terms strategic goals with our leadership."

"The Executive Committee is very pleased with the work undertaken by Rick Dacri, Dacri and Associates to assist us in finding such a qualified candidate pool," says Mr. Calvin Ames, President of NEPPA. "We spent the better part of the spring and summer, and agreed unanimously to offer the job to Mr. White."

Mr. White joins NEPPA just before the Annual Membership Meeting on November 13, 2015. "I’m looking forward to addressing the organization at the meeting. It will be great to interact with so many of our members and to have a chance to discuss their needs moving forward," he says.

Building relationships with NEPPA members is a priority for Mr. White. "I want to get out and visit our members early and often. In order to ensure that the organization is delivering value to our members, it is critical that we take a proactive approach to identifying how we can put them in the best position possible to be successful. The best way to do that is to be in the field, not behind a desk."

Another one of Mr. White’s priorities is to become familiar with the NEPPA staff. "I truly believe that one of NEPPA’s greatest resources is its staff. Given the nature of the services that NEPPA provides, accountability is important," he says. "That means holding the staff and trainers accountable, but also means that the leadership is equally accountable and that I ensure they have the best chance to succeed."

Mr. White comes to NEPPA from the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS), where he most recently served as Director of External Affairs and Strategy. During his 8 years at MDS, Mr. White was responsible for representing the dental profession before government bodies and organizing dentists in grassroots efforts. He also developed programs to educate MDS members about important issues and lead a strategic planning process with an eye toward ensuring the visibility and relevance of the association.

Before arriving at MDS, Mr. White worked in a variety of political organizations, including serving as Client Services Director at Sage-Systems, LLC, and as Regional Field Director for Northeast Pennsylvania during the 2004 presidential election.

Mr. White attended Northeastern University in Boston, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. He is also a graduate of Suffolk University, where he completed both his Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degrees, graduating cum laude from the School of Law. Mr. White is a member of the Massachusetts bar.

Mr. White has also earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives. To earn the CAE credential, candidates must first submit an application satisfying professional experience and education requirements. Successful applicants must next pass a challenging examination on all aspects of association management. "Earning the CAE designation was important to me because it allows me to ensure that my business and legal knowledge and experience are properly applied to association management," says Mr. White. "I am excited to bring those skills to NEPPA."