Dave Samson
Chief Development Officer
TRU Community Care
Denver, CO USA
“There’s no better feeling in a career than to feel as if you are making a difference in the lives of people that you live with in your community.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationDave Samson
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in journalism from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
After graduating, I wanted to join the Peace Corps but was put off by the application process—I found a similar volunteer position in Colorado with a smoother process and smaller time commitment.
I spent two years volunteering in Pueblo, Colorado, and then moved back to Chicago to start my journalism career—unfortunately, I was underqualified and struggled to find a paid position in media.
I did, however, find a fundraising position for a nonprofit high school through networking.
I’ve since built my career in nonprofits and fundraising, earning my MBA along the way.
I currently work as the chief development officer and director of philanthropy for TRU Community Care, a nonprofit and community-based hospice organization.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Chief Development Officer
I engage the community to help our work as a nonprofit, community-based hospice and palliative care organization.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Non-Profit Organizations
Medicine
Helping People
Day to Day
I'm a fundraiser and a storyteller. I engage people in the community to help us give care to people who are terminally ill. On any given day, I could be writing a grant, working with a community organization to educate them on hospice care, or helping a loved one of someone who's terminally ill find resources.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
One big piece of advice I have for people starting out in their careers is to broaden your circle of friends and influence so that you can be a resource to them and they can be a resource to you. You never want to stop learning, so make sure your circle of influence is conducive to that. Find people with a different set of backgrounds and stories and learn from them.
Hurdles
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
