Senior Vice President / Chief Operating Officer

David Dahlin was named to the new post of chief operating officer with Compassion International in November 1999. As COO, he directs the ministry's day-to-day business and manages Compassion's executive team. Prior to this position, David served as the director of the president's office for nearly three years. He has been associated with Compassion since 1994 in a variety of roles and has traveled extensively on behalf of the ministry.

He enjoys using his skills in communication, facilitation and administration to further the mission of Compassion. Since 1985, David has focused on personal and organizational effectiveness and has specialized in guiding individuals and teams in changes that will help them better reach their goals.

As a young adult, David served as a short-term missionary in Brazil, cementing his desire to work internationally and to find meaningful ways to minister to those in poverty. Working in very poor settings, it became painfully clear that saying, "Peace, be filled," was not enough. Following Jesus' example, David became committed to ministry to the whole person - mind, body and spirit. His educational background has prepared him well for a holistic perspective. He received a bachelor's degree from St. Olaf College with majors in biology and Christian youth ministry. He studied theology at Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary and later earned a master's degree in psychology from The College of St. Thomas.

All of David's adult life has been committed to serving children and families. In addition to his work with Compassion, David has worked with children in camp and retreat settings, in residential treatment programs for the severely abused, in individual and family counseling centers, and in children's ministries at his local church.

David is married, has two children, and says that he has learned the most about child development from the joys and struggles of raising his own children with his wife, Kari. He enjoys outdoor activities and has a real love for music that he shares with others by leading worship in his local church.