About Us
David P. Whitehead is the Chief Development Officer and Senior Vice President of Development for AARP Foundation. In this position, he provides leadership, direction and coordination for all fundraising strategies and activities that enable the foundation to support its charitable programs. He is responsible for direct response programs, gift planning and major gifts, and philanthropic, sponsorship and cause marketing efforts aimed at securing commitments in excess of $1 million.
He works in partnership with the president of AARP Foundation and organizational leadership to create and implement sound fundraising plans that beneficially advance common goals and strategic priorities.
Prior to joining AARP, he served as chief development officer for the Nature Conservancy, where he led the Campaign for Conservation, raising $1.4 billion over five years. He also led fundraising efforts for Special Olympics Inc., the largest organization in the world supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. He is a recognized leader in the nonprofit sector with more than 30 years of fundraising experience with regional, national and international organizations.
In addition to his position with the foundation, he also serves as chief development officer for AARP. In this role, he provides leadership, direction and coordination for AARP fundraising strategies and activities that support advocacy, public policy, education and outreach priorities sponsored by AARP.
AARP Foundation Executive Leadership Team
- Claire Casey, President
- Emily Allen, Senior Vice President, Programs
- William (Bill) Alvarado Rivera, Senior Vice President, Legal Advocacy
- Patricia D. Shannon, Senior Vice President Strategic Planning & Chief Financial Officer
- David P. Whitehead, Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer