David Hetherington
Vice President of Business Development
David Hetherington is a seasoned affordable housing professional with over 15 years of experience leading high-impact development projects across California. Since joining Wakeland in 2008, he has helped bring thousands of affordable and supportive homes to life—uplifting individuals and families, often in underserved communities.
As Vice President of Business Development, David collaborates with Wakeland’s senior leadership to identify strategic opportunities and shape long-term financial strategies that support the organization’s mission and future growth. His expertise spans finance, entitlements, and meaningful community engagement.
David holds a bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies and Planning from the University of California, San Diego, and is a graduate of the LISC Housing Development Training Institute, with advanced training in tax credit and bond financing. He is currently preparing to pursue an Executive MBA with a focus on impact finance for community development. A frequent speaker at industry conferences, David has also lectured at UC San Diego.
In addition to his professional work, David has been a committed community development volunteer for over three decades. His efforts have included microfinance initiatives in San Diego’s City Heights neighborhood and off grid housing projects in Mexico with organizations such as ACCION International, Habitat for Humanity, and Sustainable Earth Enterprises.
Outside of work, David enjoys traveling with his wife and their dog, most ocean sports, and backpacking the Sierra Nevada range.
David Hetherington is a seasoned affordable housing professional with over 15 years of experience leading high-impact development projects across California. Since joining Wakeland in 2008, he has helped bring thousands of affordable and supportive homes to life—uplifting individuals and families, often in underserved communities.
As Vice President of Business Development, David collaborates with Wakeland’s senior leadership to identify strategic opportunities and shape long-term financial strategies that support the organization’s mission and future growth. His expertise spans finance, entitlements, and meaningful community engagement.
David holds a bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies and Planning from the University of California, San Diego, and is a graduate of the LISC Housing Development Training Institute, with advanced training in tax credit and bond financing. He is currently preparing to pursue an Executive MBA with a focus on impact finance for community development. A frequent speaker at industry conferences, David has also lectured at UC San Diego.
In addition to his professional work, David has been a committed community development volunteer for over three decades. His efforts have included microfinance initiatives in San Diego’s City Heights neighborhood and off grid housing projects in Mexico with organizations such as ACCION International, Habitat for Humanity, and Sustainable Earth Enterprises.
Outside of work, David enjoys traveling with his wife and their dog, most ocean sports, and backpacking the Sierra Nevada range.