David Fitz brings nearly 25 years of experience in strategy, governance, and organizational storytelling to the MCS Board. He is the founder and partner of Strategy Design Partners (SDP), a firm he launched in 2008 to help nonprofits, foundations, public entities, and businesses advance their missions with clarity and purpose. Since then, he and his team have partnered with nearly 200 organizations across five states, guiding leaders through strategic planning, board development, and communications.

David’s professional background includes senior leadership roles as a press secretary and legislative director in the Cleveland and Philadelphia city governments; director of media relations at the Cleveland Clinic; and vice president of public affairs at University Circle, Inc. He also serves as an instructor and coach for the Mandel Foundation’s Community Development Corporation Leadership Program, where he leads sessions on strategic planning, governance, and communications. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University, and he is a graduate of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2010.

David’s commitment to MCS is deeply personal. His two older children attended a Montessori school, and their growth—academically and personally—solidified his belief in the power of individualized, hands-on, self-directed learning. Seeing how Montessori nurtured their creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking continues to shape his perspective today. Now, as his son Emerson begins his own Montessori journey at MCS, David has a front-row seat to the joyful, purposeful way children learn in this environment. His experience as a parent strengthens his dedication to supporting the school’s mission.

For David, the heart of MCS lies in its community. Once you are part of MCS—whether as a student, parent, or educator—you join a deeply connected and caring network that is invested in each child and in the long-term sustainability of the school. As both a parent and board member, David sees tremendous opportunity for MCS to expand its reach, strengthen its programs, and continue building an environment where children and families thrive. He is grateful for the opportunity to help guide the school’s vision and ensure that MCS remains strong, mission-driven, and poised for future growth.