David Braden
Roanoke,TX
Summary
Executive leader with more than 25 years shaping complex auxiliary enterprises, multi fund financial operations, and mission centered business units across higher education. Recognized for elevating financial sustainability, strengthening enterprise performance, and cultivating high trust partnerships with university leadership, governing boards, and community stakeholders.
Extensive experience supporting nonprofit foundations and 501(c)(3) auxiliaries nationwide, including deep engagement across California. My work includes partnerships with Western University of Health Sciences and three institutions within The Claremont Colleges Consortium: Claremont Graduate University, Scripps College, and Keck Graduate Institute. These collaborations reinforce my understanding of CSU aligned governance, public sector accountability, and auxiliary enterprise operations.
A proven enterprise strategist with responsibility for budgets exceeding $150M, I have delivered 15% operational efficiency gains, advanced capital and real estate initiatives, and guided multidisciplinary teams across dining, housing, retail, hospitality, and commercial real estate portfolios. I bring a commitment to aligning entrepreneurial performance with public mission, student success, and long term institutional value.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Operating Officer
Seventy1 Development Group
Roanoke, TX
09.2023 - Current
- Provided strategic guidance to multifamily workforce and student housing clients, enhancing operational effectiveness across various states including California.
- Created detailed ROI projections and feasibility studies to support investment strategies for institutional and investor partners.
- Collaborated with nonprofit foundations and 501(c)(3) partners to assess development readiness and implement financial modeling strategies aligned with institutional goals.
- Analyzed land strategy entitlements and prepared development readiness assessments to streamline project execution and minimize potential risks.
- Led cross-functional teams to develop strategic initiatives aligned with business goals.
- Streamlined operational processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Senior Vice President, Development, Operations & Asset Management
Servitas, LLC
Irving, TX
04.2018 - 09.2023
- Oversaw financial planning and enterprise operations across 14 campuses, including multiple California institutions.
- Supervised budgets exceeding $150M dollars across auxiliary and service-based revenue units.
- Applied financial analysis methods that improved operational efficiency by 15%.
- Partnered with nonprofit foundations, university auxiliaries, and 501(c)(3) entities to structure capital financing and public-private initiatives.
- Orchestrated housing, dining, retail, and service unit operations aligned with institutional priorities.
- Managed cross-functional teams to execute company-wide operational improvements.
- Fostered strong relationships with stakeholders to align business objectives with market trends.
Regional Vice President
Capstone On-Campus Management (COCM)
Vestavia Hills, AL
12.2011 - 04.2018
- Guided financial and operational performance across multiple campuses, including California institutions serving over 28,000 students annually.
- Executed budgeting, variance analysis, and resource allocation connected to institutional goals.
- Managed contracts, leases, and revenue sharing models.
- Collaborated with California-based nonprofit partners, including Western University of Health Sciences and three institutions within The Claremont Colleges Consortium: Claremont Graduate University, Scripps College, and Keck Graduate Institute.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic decisions and optimize resource allocation.
- Spearheaded budget planning processes, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and financial sustainability.
Vice President, Management Services
EdR– Education Realty Trust now Greystar
Memphis, TN
12.1999 - 11.2011
- Directed financial and operational oversight for more than 60 properties across 18 states, including California markets.
- Coordinated capital projects, construction, renovation, and asset lifecycle planning.
- Reviewed monthly financial reports, including actual versus budget and year-over-year analysis.
- Controlled lease financials, retail operations, and auxiliary revenue reconciliation.
- Supported nonprofit affiliated student housing foundations and auxiliary partners nationwide.
- Directed financial planning and budgeting processes to optimize resource allocation.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency across multiple properties.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Higher Education Leadership
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN02-2026
Master of Arts (MA) - Student Personnel Services in Higher Education
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY05-1996
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) - Marketing
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY07-1993
Skills
Enterprise & Auxiliary Leadership
Auxiliary Operations, Housing, Dining, Retail, Hospitality, Commercial Real Estate, Public-Private Partnerships
Financial & Administrative Management
Fund Accounting, GAAP Compliance, Multi-Fund Budgeting, Forecasting, Reserves, Capital Planning, Financial Reporting
Strategic & Organizational Leadership
Mission Alignment, Enterprise Growth, Strategic Planning, Board Engagement, Governance, Institutional Partnerships
Operational Excellence & Systems
Performance Metrics, Process Optimization, ERP/Financial Systems, Data-Informed Decision Support, Risk Oversight
People & Culture
Executive Leadership, Workforce Development, Succession Planning, Organizational Communication, Labor Relations
External & Community Engagement
Municipal Partnerships, Developer Relations, Nonprofit Collaboration, Campus & Community Integration
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP IMPACT
Strategic & Mission Alignment
- Integrated enterprise functions with institutional priorities across multi campus portfolios through disciplined strategic thinking, ensuring coordinated planning and shared objectives.
- Built transparent financial reporting structures that reinforced internal controls and audit readiness.
- Advanced P3, real estate, and auxiliary initiatives that expanded institutional capacity and long-term value.
Operational & Financial Leadership
- Directed $150M+ in annual operating and capital budgets across multi-fund environments.
- Introduced financial analysis methods that boosted operational efficiency by 30%.
- Supervised reserves for debt service, capital renewal, and business continuity to support long-term sustainability.
Nonprofit & 501(c)(3) Governance Leadership
- Supported nonprofit and auxiliary boards through clear reporting, strategic counsel, and mission centered enterprise planning grounded in continuous learning.
- Collaborated with foundations, university auxiliaries, and nonprofit development entities to strengthen capital planning and community impact initiatives.
- Worked with California-based nonprofit partners, including Western University of Health Sciences and The Claremont Colleges Consortium, ensuring alignment with CSU adjacent governance models.
Enterprise & Auxiliary Operations Leadership
- Administered housing, dining, retail, hospitality, and service unit operations across diverse institutional portfolios, including California campuses.
- Coordinated contracts, leases, and revenue sharing agreements involving rent, CAM, tax, insurance, royalties, and vendor performance.
- Bolstered enterprise operations through performance metrics, process refinement, and systems modernization that encouraged operational creativity.
People, Culture & Organizational Leadership
- Fostered high engagement cultures grounded in accountability, transparency, communication, and service excellence.
- Mentored executive and director level leaders, reinforcing succession planning, organizational stability, and cross functional teamwork.
- Navigated workforce dynamics and labor environments with professionalism, clarity, and strong emotional intelligence.
Board & External Engagement
- Counseled governing boards on financial performance, enterprise risk, and strategic initiatives using a balanced and transparent decision framework.
- Built partnerships with municipal leaders, developers, and private-sector partners to support campus development and enterprise growth.
- Represented enterprise operations in community, institutional, and regional forums.
Affiliations
- NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
- ACPA – College Student Educators International
- ACUHO-I – Association of College & University Housing Officers International
- NACUBO – National Association of College & University Business Officers
- CCLC – Community College League of California
- NMHC - National Multi-Housing Council; Dallas IREM Chapter
- Pi Kappa Alpha Alumni Association - Dallas/Fort Worth and Zeta Tau at Eastern Kentucky University
Timeline
Chief Operating Officer
Seventy1 Development Group
09.2023 - Current
Senior Vice President, Development, Operations & Asset Management
Servitas, LLC
04.2018 - 09.2023
Regional Vice President
Capstone On-Campus Management (COCM)
12.2011 - 04.2018
Vice President, Management Services
EdR– Education Realty Trust now Greystar
12.1999 - 11.2011
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Higher Education Leadership
Capella University
Master of Arts (MA) - Student Personnel Services in Higher Education
Eastern Kentucky University
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) - Marketing
Eastern Kentucky University