David Fortna, Pre-Conference Speaker

David Fortna is a higher education professional and ICF-educated Professional Coach, with a passion for life design and leadership development. In 2024, he attended the Stanford Life Design Lab, reinforcing his commitment to helping students and alumni navigate life transitions with clarity and confidence. As the Director of Executive Education and Leadership Development at Duquesne University’s Palumbo Donahue School of Business, David empowers alumni, students, and executive learners to align their values with aspirations and take intentional steps toward impactful careers.

David Fortna's coaching philosophy is centered on intention and growth. He helps individuals uncover their 'why,' connecting them with their purpose and fostering collaboration and innovation. His approach, which emphasizes building teams and blending practical strategies with reflective tools, enables individuals to lead with authenticity, adaptability, and confidence. His focus on intention and growth inspires professionals to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

At the Alumni Career Services Network Conference, themed Elevate. Empower. Engage., David will lead a pre-conference workshop offering actionable strategies to elevate programs, empower stakeholders, and engage alumni in meaningful career conversations. Utilizing his expertise in life design and professional coaching, this session will explore innovative ways to demonstrate the value of alumni career services while promoting personal and professional growth.

David's career has been marked by leadership roles at Duquesne University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Pittsburgh. His tenure as Chief External Relations Officer at Sewickley Academy further enriched his understanding of the critical role of alumni success in institutional success. His mission is to help practitioners thrive by embracing growth, building collaborative connections, and approaching their work with intention.