David T. Miller
A lifelong resident of Greater Dayton, David T. Miller has witnessed the region’s many ups and downs over the years. Much like how he’s faced his own life experiences, including overcoming a traumatic accident at age 16, he believes the region’s future is bright and will continue to be a place where everyone can play a part in its continued success. All that is needed, he says, is perseverance, the support of our neighbors and a commitment to faith.
“We’ve seen such a show of strength and resiliency in recent years – from the tornadoes and Oregon District tragedy in 2019, to more recently the impact of COVID-19,” said David, retired president and CEO of DTM Advisors and retired vice president of Finance and CFO for Dayton Children’s. “Each time, the community has rallied together in support of our neighbors. When we work together, so much can be achieved. The depth of giving here is transformational.”
David is applying his vast professional and volunteer experience to his new position as chair of The Dayton Foundation’s Governing Board. A Board member since 2013, he has chaired both the Foundation’s Finance and Audit committees, as well as served as a member of the Executive Committee.
When we work together, so much can be achieved. The depth of giving here is transformational.
– David T. Miller
Born and raised in Kettering, David is a graduate of Miami University where he met Mary, his wife of 43 years. This “Miami Merger” continues to call Dayton home. Together they’ve raised two daughters, who have blessed them with three grandchildren, Elliot, Corrie and Hudson. As David shared, spending time with his grandchildren, preferably hiking the trails of Ohio’s vast park systems or exploring historical sites, is one of his greatest pleasures.
David and Mary with their grandchildren
“As I get older, I’ve discovered that seeing my kids and grandkids succeed means so much,” David said. “Whether it’s having water balloon fights at Hocking Hills State Park or going for ice cream in our jammies, you’re never too old to experience the joys of being young.” David comes from a lineage of financial professionals. His dad was an accountant, and his grandfather was a bank examiner. “My family owned a small bank until the depression hit, so I keep a photo of the building to ward off hubris,” he said.
In addition to serving on the Foun-dation’s Board, David currently serves on the board of directors for CareSource, is a member of St. Vincent de Paul’s Finance Committee and is an elder for Fairhaven Church in Centerville. Previously, he served as a board member for Club Anglais LLC and a former chair for LLC Kids Voting Ohio. In 2010, Dayton Business Journal recognized David as the nonprofit healthcare CFO of the Year.
His faith lies close to his heart, and he finds the joys of leading people with hope and help rewarding. Once a year, David travels to Dakar, the capital of Senegal in West Africa, to teach business classes to budding entrepreneurs.
“Experiences like these give me a broader perspective and appreciation for different cultures,” David reflected. “But no matter where someone lives, the same basic values – to provide and care for your family and neighbors – stays true and strong.”
David and his wife, Mary, hiked Ireland’s countryside for their 40th wedding anniversary.
Leading community initiatives, such as advancing diversity, equity and inclusion; growing educational opportunities for our next generation of leaders; and embracing the talents of older, skilled adults to move other community efforts forward, play a vital part in the daily work of The Dayton Foundation. However, as David keenly is aware, such efforts don’t happen in a silo. It’s the Foundation’s unique convening role with other organizations and individuals that helps to make change happen for all. One area currently taking shape, which is of particular interest to him, centers on providing resources for individuals with traumatic brain injuries.
“My experiences,” David explained, “whether as an employee with Dayton Children’s, a board member for a health insurer or a church volunteer visiting hospitals, have shown me how enormous the impact a life-altering accident or injury, such as traumatic brain injury, can have on family members.
“When I was 16, I was hit by a car and laid up for four months with two broken legs. My injuries weren’t permanent, but the experience showed me how much life changes after a serious accident,” he continued. “We all need the support of family and friends to get through such an ordeal and to heal. The Dayton Foundation, along with other partners, is investigating how best to provide a continuum of care and other resources for families and individuals dealing with traumatic brain injuries, which will be a tremendous asset to our community.”
As a 10-year member of the Foundation’s Board with decades of nonprofit leadership experience, David deeply respects the special position the Foundation holds in the region and its potential for continued growth.
We have an obligation to keep moving forward and have a long-term focus. There’s no limit to what we can do to help others, and, with 4,000-plus charitable funds under management, there’s no limit to how many more people can join us in this effort.
– David Miller
“I’m continually in awe of the Foundation’s staff and volunteers and the work they accomplish for our region. They do it very well, and it shows through the high level of trust and respect the community holds for the Foundation,” David said. “We’re standing on the shoulders of giants like John Moore, Sr., Fred Smith, Sr., Anne Greene and so many others like them who have served on its Governing Board. We have an obligation to keep moving forward and have a long-term focus. There’s no limit to what we can do to help others, and, with 4,000-plus charitable funds under management, there’s no limit to how many more people can join us in this effort.”
When asked what inspired David most about his position as Governing Board chair, his answer is heartfelt.
“The Foundation celebrated a wonderful 100th anniversary with the community in 2021,” David said. “I don’t wish to close this chapter of the Foundation’s history and just move on. I hope to lead the Board over the next two years in keeping the momentum going for another hundred years or more. In the future, we will see even more impact, thanks to the generosity of others, and perhaps growth we never dreamed of as more people give and serve. That’s what inspires me and gives me hope for Greater Dayton.”