Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida is honored to celebrate the retirement of David Arnold, our longtime Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations. For 17+ years, David has been a steady hand and a trusted leader whose work has helped sustain and grow mentoring across our state.
A Steady Foundation for a Growing State Association
David joined the Association as the Operations Director where he and his team managed the Department of Education grant. Over time, he became the reliable backbone of the small but mighty statewide staff. Colleagues describe David as detail-oriented, professional, and always prepared. He had a unique ability to take complex challenges and break them down into manageable steps, creating structure and solutions that allowed the organization to thrive.
BBBSAF CEO Dan Prinzing reflected on David’s legacy:
“Working with David over the past 10 years, both as a board member and as CEO, has always been a pleasure. I am grateful I had the privilege of watching David develop from a director to our CFO and Director of Operations. David has always demonstrated his commitment to mentorship, his focused and detailed approach to his work, and his personal integrity. The financial foundation that David has built for us will ensure stability and growth for the Association for years to come.”
David was more than a leader in operations; he was also a mentor. He valued supporting the staff at BBBS agencies across Florida, always available as a resource when someone needed guidance. His thoughtful, focused approach and willingness to help created a culture of collaboration that will carry forward long after his retirement.
From One Funder to Four State Grants
Working side by side with our CEOs and partners, David helped guide the organization from a single funder with the Department of Education to four state grants. Through his leadership and financial expertise, he has helped create and sustain mentoring relationships for more than 80,000 children across Florida.
David combined financial expertise with a genuine passion for the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters and was a passionate advocate for the best possible education for children, a value he carried in his own family. He even contributed personally during BBBS fundraising campaigns. As one colleague noted, when a staff member with such deep knowledge of the organization donates personally, it sends a powerful message to donors that the work is real and meaningful.
In the Beginning
On her first day at BBBS, former CEO Jody Clifford walked into an office outside Tampa Bay to find David working alone with a rented copier and a row of empty offices. It was less “bustling hub” and more “David and the copier holding down the fort.” That visit sparked the idea to try remote work. David, understandably, was a little unsure, but he gave it a shot. Fourteen years later, remote work is perfect for our statewide team, and we are thriving.
Coworker Lisa remembers those early days before Zoom, when conference calls with 15 people often left everyone guessing who was speaking. As technology and the organization evolved, thankfully so did the State Association’s operations. What once felt like growing pains became part of our story, shaping the collaborative, close-knit team we are today.
Faith, Family, and the Florida Outdoors
David lives in Brandon, Florida with his wife, Diane. They have two children and a deep commitment to faith and family. Away from the spreadsheets, David loves spending time outdoors and in the woods. He and Diane often retreat to their property in Ocala to recharge and enjoy Florida’s natural beauty.
Join Us in Celebrating David
Please join us in thanking David Arnold for 17 years of extraordinary service to Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida. We wish David and Diane many peaceful days, meaningful time with family, and all the joy the next chapter can bring.