David brings nearly 15 years of experience leading people and talent functions across mission-driven nonprofits, higher education, and K–12 school districts. He began his career as a Fulbright Scholar, public high school history teacher, and school leader, experiences that shaped his understanding of how clarity, accountability, and systems influence adult performance and organizational health. He later transitioned into strategic Human Resources leadership, serving in roles including Director of Learning and Development and Vice President of Talent, where he led enterprise people strategy across the employee lifecycle. David partners with leaders navigating rapid change to build people systems grounded in trust and adaptability, strengthening leadership pipelines, fostering team member belonging, and aligning talent strategy with long-term organizational goals.

David Schlenker believes that strong people operations are the foundation for stability and flexibility during periods of rapid growth. As a Human Resources Manager, Consultant at A La C.A.R.T.E. Solutions, he partners with nonprofit, education, and small to midsize private companies to build people-first HR systems that are consistent, transparent, and connected across the employee lifecycle. His work supports engagement and retention by ensuring employees have clear expectations, fair processes, and the support they need to succeed—reducing burnout and turnover while strengthening organizational performance. Grounded in trust, empathy, and systems thinking, he brings consistent follow-through to help leaders place the right people in the right roles with the support needed to advance their missions sustainably.

Originally from Boston, David lived in India and Türkiye before returning to the United States, first in New York City and later in San Antonio, Texas, where he currently lives with his husband. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, time at the beach, traveling, and spending time with family, but his favorite pastime is cooking. He loves cooking for others and experimenting with recipes inspired by his favorite places and the food traditions he grew up with.