Chief Vocational Officer
Dave is the Chief Vocational Officer. Dave joined Harbor in May of 2003 as a Vocational Manager. Using the recovery model, he worked to develop programming that provides support and opportunities to individuals seeking employment. He helped create the Career Connections program, which is now one of the largest providers of vocational services to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). Career Connections started in Toledo and now provides services to individuals in ten counties including: Defiance, Fulton, Hamilton, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Putnam, Williams, and Wood counties. He has also been successful in securing grant opportunities that expand the agency mission and help provide employment services for individuals experiencing barriers to employment.
Dave is a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and a Certified Workforce Development Professional. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Miami University and a Master’s Degree in Community Agency Counseling from the University of Toledo.
Prior to joining Harbor Dave worked for several agencies in a vocational capacity. He started his career as a job coach, worked as a job developer, was a supervisor in a transitional employment program working with individuals experiencing homelessness, and worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor serving individuals with mental health diagnoses. Dave believes in the value of work and the opportunities provided through employment.