David E. Garamella, MPA, JP ’88,
P’24,’25
David Garamella is a nationally recognized leader in philanthropy, organizational strategy, and nonprofit transformation. As Founder and CEO of The Giving Collaborative (TGC), he has guided over 250 nonprofit organizations—including major healthcare systems, independent schools, Catholic ministries, and social service agencies—toward more than $5 billion in philanthropic commitments. His work spans the U.S., Europe, and Africa, from launching comprehensive campaigns to restructuring development operations.
David's philanthropy career began in Washington, D.C., in public policy and advocacy before serving as Chief Philanthropy Officer for Lifespan–Rhode Island Hospital and Executive Director of the Griffin Hospital Development Fund. His innovative counsel and thought leadership have made him a sought-after speaker and mentor in major and planned giving, campaign readiness, and nonprofit leadership. He hosts the podcast Philantherapy and continues shaping the national dialogue around donor engagement and institutional advancement.
Currently, David serves as Board Chair Emeritus at Notre Dame High School in West Haven, CT, his alma mater, and sits on the New England Association of Healthcare Philanthropy board. He is also a Justice of the Peace for Connecticut and volunteer faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Association of Healthcare Philanthropy Madison Institute. His nearly two decades of Notre Dame board service reflect his deep commitment to Catholic education. Deeply rooted in faith, service, and family, David counts among his proudest titles "ND Dad," with twin sons Dawson and Davin as Notre Dame alumni and daughter Kaylor as a Lauralton Hall alumna, where his wife Shawn also graduated. He holds a B.A. from Stonehill College and an MPA from Franklin University.
David lives on the Connecticut shoreline with Shawn—a nurse practitioner and mission-driven leader whom he met during a Notre Dame play in 1987—and their loyal pug, Vegas. Whether fishing from his boat, exploring Southwest Florida's barrier islands, or cheering on the Red Sox, David brings passion, perspective, and purpose to everything he does.
