David Whitfield is an educator, social entrepreneur, consultant and nonprofit executive director. He has taught in multiple independent schools and pioneered elective courses in both history and English at Montgomery Bell Academy and The Ensworth School. 

Whitfield is a graduate of Tennessee State University. He holds a master’s degree in social science from the University of Chicago and a Master of Liberal Arts and Science from Vanderbilt University. He specializes in fostering intercultural and interracial discourse through the study of history, literature and film. 

During his 25-year career, Whitfield has authored curriculum, chaired academic departments, and served on curriculum and SAIS accreditation committees. His work includes co-founding and presiding as executive director over Time to Rise Inc., which operates summer academic enrichment programs at Montgomery Bell Academy, Harpeth Hall, The Ensworth School and Harding Academy. 

He is also the founder of the Kid’s Academy Reading and Writing Program for Rural Youth and co-founder of Race Talk, a parent-education program that fosters healthy dialogue among independent-school parents. Whitfield serves as founder and president of Tearing Down the Walls Southeast, a two-day race and leadership conference for independent school students. 

Whitfield currently works at The Ensworth School as director of community engagement and inclusion. He teaches courses in African-American literature and the Civil Rights Movement.