David Bakelman

David Bakelman began serving as the President & CEO of Freedom Waters Foundation as of January 1^st.  David is responsible for the strategic direction of Freedom Waters Foundation whose mission is to enhance the well-being of children and adults with disabilities and veterans through therapeutic boating experiences.

David built his nonprofit career with the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta as Vice President of Resource Development.  David was responsible for the 4th largest United Way fundraising effort in the country, leading an $80 million annual fundraising campaign. Under David’s leadership, over one quarter of a billion dollars was raised for distribution to health and human service programs in Atlanta.

Prior to his current position, David served as the Chief Fundraising Executive for United Help Ukraine, one of the largest Ukrainian humanitarian organizations based providing aid to the people of Ukraine.

David also served as CEO of the National Pancreas Foundation, the only national organization in the United States addressing all forms of pancreas disease. Prior to his arrival at NPF, David held the position of CEO of The Pap Corps – Champions for Cancer Research, a South Florida based charity that raises funds for cancer research at University of Miami Health.

Prior to arriving in Florida, David was the National CEO of Help HOPE Live, a Philadelphia-based national health organization which supports organ transplant, spinal cord and traumatic brain injury patients raise funds to offset their medical expenses.  Help HOPE Live was ranked in the top 1% of all charities in the United States.

David was also the National CEO of StandUp For Kids, a nonprofit serving homeless youth in 47 cities throughout the United States as well as the Executive Director of the Georgia Transplant Foundation, the largest human service organization in the country providing financial assistance and advocacy to the organ transplant community.

David holds a Masters of Social Work Degree from Florida State University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Eckerd College.