Retired Army Colonel David W. Sutherland is the Chair of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services. Along with coordinating with our Command Council, he is providing our team strategic and operational guidance and direction on matters that directly concern programs, growth and profitability.
Since standing up Dixon Center, following his three decades of military service in the U.S. Army, he has been working with communities and community-based organizations building capacity that is enabling veterans and their families to succeed where they live. He is a nationally recognized expert on the evolving needs of veterans and their families, and the grassroot solutions that support them.
Colonel Sutherland culminated his military service as the Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, focusing on Warrior and Family Support. In that position, he was the point man for the JCS in coordinating an initiative throughout communities to align myriads of support organizations/agencies in a collaborative effort to enable veterans, their families and the families of our fallen. Prior to his assignment at the Pentagon, he served during Operation Iraqi Freedom, in Multi-National Division – North as Commander, 3rd “Greywolf” Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in the volatile Diyala Province during Surge Operations. Over his 30 years of military service he commanded at all levels, from Platoon to Brigade Combat Team, and he served around the globe, including multiple combat tours in Southwest Asia.
In addition to his Dixon Center leadership, he is working with many corporations, nonprofits and civic organizations on leadership development, organizational culture and veteran inclusion. He is a trusted advisor to former senior military leaders including former Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Combatant Commanders, as well as current and former public and private sector leaders and executives. Colonel Sutherland is a published author and presents speeches on leadership around the country.
