Executive Vice President
David Dahlin has more than 15 years of executive leadership experience. He was appointed Compassion International’s Executive Vice President in July of 2008. As EVP, he is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of this global $650 million organization and its over 3,000 employees worldwide. David knows how to maximize alliances, lead outstanding teams and ensure success. He is seen as a disciplined, collaborative facilitator and team builder, empowering Compassion’s teams to meet and exceed goals.
Prior to his current appointment, David served as Compassion’s Sr. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for nearly nine years. Under David’s leadership the organization has grown more than six fold. David offers expertise in program design and development, branding and communications, strategy, operations, and staffing … all in a complex global environment. He has traveled extensively throughout the US and to over 40 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America. This global exposure has given him insights into the beauty and complexity of different cultures and a keen understanding of both what separates and unites us.
David earned a BA in Biology from St. Olaf College and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society, an academic honor society for the most outstanding students of arts and sciences at American colleges and universities. He studied theology at Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary and went on to earn his MA in Psychology at the University of St. Thomas.
In addition to his commitment to holistic child development, David is engaged in the broader issues of international development, human rights and environmentalism. He has served on non-profit boards and is active in local charitable efforts, including the Children’s Hospital and the symphony orchestra. He is a musician, a health and fitness enthusiast and a lover of the out-of-doors.