For 2019, the YMCA of Middle Tennessee presents the Order of the Red Triangle—its top volunteer honor—to David Wilds.

An avid runner, Wilds says his love for running was inspired by his service in the U.S. Marine Corps and the YMCA, and led him to complete a remarkable 68 marathons. His decades-long involvement with our Y began as a member. Over the years, David learned more about the Y’s range of youth outreach programs, prompting him to support our nonprofit not only as a member, but also as a donor. As his connection deepened, and as is often the case, David began to give of his time and talents as a volunteer, eventually joining the Finance Committee, which he now chairs.

David’s critical and steady leadership and experience as a career investment professional was paramount as our YMCA emerged from its restructuring efforts in 2013 and 2014. He continues to provide wise counsel through the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to his financial acumen, it’s clear David’s heart is in it, too. He leads by example, always wanting to be the “first in” to support YMCA campaigns for critical initiatives, and his generosity will make a difference for generations to come through the campership David established in the YMCA’s endowment fund.

Although now officially ‘retired,’ David continues to serve as the Managing Partner of First Avenue Partners, which he founded, and where he is actively involved in managing private equity investments. Prior to his role with First Avenue Partners, David’s accomplished career included roles as a partner at J.C. Bradford & Company, Chairman of the Board for Cumberland Health Systems and Principal with Nelson Capital Group. In 1998, he helped to found The Family Office, where he served as CEO for 19 years prior to his retirement, providing financial, investment and wealth management services to the Turner family, founders of Dollar General.

Having served on the board of nine public companies, David currently serves on the Board of Directors for Nashville-based iii3 Verticals. He has also held board positions at iPayment, Inc., a card transaction processing services company that was taken private in 2006; Dollar General, which was sold to KKR and GS Capital Partners; and Symbion, Inc., which was sold to Crestview Partners. David holds a Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Business Administration from Emory University.

David has two daughters and a teenage grandson who’s literally following in some of his footsteps, racking up miles as an accomplished cross country runner. When not busy with his service on nonprofit and corporate boards, he and his wife Cindy enjoy spending time in Boca Grande, Florida, and also hope to get back to Italy when the pandemic subsides.

We congratulate David on this well-deserved honor, and offer our most sincere gratitude for all that he has done and continues to do to support and steward our YMCA.