David LeVan Named Lifewater International’s Chief Executive Officer

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (Apr. 23, 2020)—Lifewater International (“Lifewater”) is pleased to announce the placement of David LeVan as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). LeVan has served as interim CEO since October 2019 and was officially chosen by the Board of Directors this week to lead Lifewater into the future.

“Dave has done a tremendous job guiding Lifewater through a season of executive transition, and he’s demonstrated wise leadership in the face of the COVID-19 crisis,” said Lifewater board chair Karen Tobin. “We are confident he will help the organization emerge from the crisis healthier so we can continue to serve vulnerable families well.”

LeVan brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in corporate, private and local church settings to the organization. He has an MBA in Finance from DePaul University and came to Lifewater after his most recent role as a Senior Director at the Walmart Corporate Office, where he established a global transformation team to evaluate structure, people, processes, and systems for the future. Prior to his time at Walmart, LeVan founded and led his own company, Advantax, after successful stints at both Kraft and PWC.

In addition to his industry experience, Dave has been involved in nonprofit work for 20 years. His work included establishing new ministries, leadership development, team building, and strategy. Dave has served on a number of nonprofit boards, including Lifewater International’s Board of Directors since 2016.

“You can rest assured that the organization is in good hands,” said former Lifewater CEO Justin Narducci. “Dave has the unique ability to create the future and inspire teams to take on big challenges while also being a servant leader; he’s innovative and practical, and has worked cross culturally for a number of years.”

In his seven months as interim CEO, LeVan has streamlined internal processes, helped shape the culture, and empowered staff to make improvements.

“We are steadfast in our commitment to be the hands and feet of Jesus to vulnerable families in desperate need of clean water,” said Dave. “The mission set forth by our founder, Bill Ashe, is alive and well today, and we’re working together as an organization to fulfill that mission sustainably and effectively.”

LeVan also spoke specifically to the challenges brought about by the coronavirus.

“The international impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is like nothing we have ever seen before, but I believe the future is bright for Lifewater,” he said. “We are blessed with faithful donor partners, capable and compassionate staff, and a model in Vision of a Healthy Village that is proven to bring lasting change to families living in extreme poverty. I’m confident that, by God’s grace, we’ll weather this storm together and serve many more people with clean water and improved health for years to come.”