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David
Chirls

Board Member at Two Seed

Brooklyn, New York

Pursuing a successful career in the fields of business and architecture, retired executive David Chirls provided exceptional leadership and creative aptitude in multiple areas. Initially demonstrating an interest in chemistry, Mr. Chirls graduated with honors from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1977. After learning about the benefits of a career in business, David Chirls decided to switch careers, enrolling at the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University. While working full time at Citibank, N.A., he finished his second year of school at night, earning his Master of Business Administration in Computer Application and Finance in 1981. After transitioning to the field of architecture, David Chirls studied at the Pratt Institute, where he received a Bachelor of Arts with highest honors in 2000.

Starting his career at Citibank, David Chirls served as an Intern. During his four-year tenure, he earned a promotion to Manager. With encouragement from upper management, he began studying business at night school. After completing his MBA, Mr. Chirls joined the investment banking firm of Shearson/American Express Inc. as Assistant Vice President. He oversaw information management, as the company created its first-ever Marketing Department. Following his success at Shearson, Mr. Chirls served at the parent firm, American Express Company, as Director of Information Management. In this role, he oversaw marketing operations company-wide in both New York City and London.

Eventually, David Chirls joined MasterCard International, a major credit card company, where he served as Vice President of Business Development and Marketing. During this period, Mr. Chirls developed many of the programs considered industry standards today. Afterwards, Mr. Chirls founded his own company, Visual Design Group, Inc., where he served as President for six years. During his tenure, Visual Design Group became one of the largest corporate communications companies in the country.

After this period, David Chirls changed careers, deciding to become an architect. In 1998, he joined the architecture firm of DiDonno Associates Architects, PC. He involved himself in the design and production of drawings for renovation and new housing projects. After two years, Mr. Chirls worked for a year at Maximillian Hayden Architect overseeing concept, design, and business management. He followed up with a year at Andrew Sheldon Architect before retiring in 2002. Recently, he became a Senior Advisor of social media start-up TwoSeed. He resides in Brooklyn Heights, New York.


David Chirls's Schools

David Chirls's Companies

David Chirls's Publications

  • David Chirls Discusses Corporate Benefits of Employee Volunteerism, David Chirls
    November, 2011
    As a way of encouraging teamwork and strengthening communication, many companies are implementing employee volunteer programs as a way to give back to their communities. Below, retired architect and business communications executive David Chirls highlights ways office culture is shifting to include a variety of employee volunteer opportunities. Mr. Chirls serves as a senior advisor for Two Seed, a social media start-up fostering corporate community initiatives.

    Q: On a broad scale, why is it important for businesses to implement employee volunteerism?
    A: Through organizing volunteer opportunities, companies take an active role in building positive office morale for all team members and can create an improved corporate climate. In addition, establishing an employee volunteer program allows firms to become engaged in community-based problem solving that can carry over into the workplace.

    Q: Can you identify some of the main incentives for companies that implement volunteer programs?
    A: It’s important to remember that employees and the greater community benefit from volunteerism as much as companies. That said, many businesses offering a volunteer component report an improved public image and company reputation, a more motivated and productive staff, and an easier time retaining quality employees.

    Q: Are there options for companies without extra financial resources to launch inexpensive volunteer initiatives?
    A: Absolutely. Businesses can partner with their local Corporate Volunteer Councils across the country in order to find low-cost volunteer involvement programs. In addition, companies can choose to partner with local volunteer centers staffed with trained coordinators offering pre-established community connections.