David Chayer is the first-ever Executive Director of The ALS Association Texas Chapter where he leads statewide efforts to help ALS families and their caregivers in their battle against Lou Gehrig’s disease, increasing awareness of ALS, raising money for programs and critical research, and overseeing the ALS’ signature Walk to Defeat ALS events throughout Texas. 

The ALS Association Texas Chapter began on February 1, 2012,  following the consolidation of three separate chapters in Dallas, Houston and San Antonio and it supports two ALS Certified Clinics including the University of Texas Health System in San Antonio and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. The Texas Chapter has a current budget of nearly $2 million and 13 staff throughout North Texas, Houston, South Texas, and Austin. The Association’s headquarters is located in Irving, Texas.

Prior to joining The ALS Association, David served the American Red Cross for over 12 years in multiple senior leadership positions across the country, most recently as the Regional Chief Operating Officer with the Red Cross in Dallas, Texas. His Red Cross experience also included positions as the Regional Chief Executive Officer in Tallahassee, Florida, Senior Director of Chapter Operations at the Red Cross National Headquarters, and Executive Director in Corpus Christi, Texas.

David began his Red Cross career as the State Director of Government and External Relations in Illinois.  In 2006, he was selected to serve on the Red Cross Presidential Advisory Council, providing chapter insight and suggestions to the President and CEO of the American Red Cross.

Originally from St. Anne, Illinois, David holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Blackburn College and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Before joining the nonprofit world, David worked for six years in state and local government in Illinois, including positions with the City of Carbondale, Office of the Lt. Governor, and the Illinois General Assembly. In 2000, David was elected to the Divernon Village Board in his first-ever campaign for public office.

He has also served as an Adjunct Instructor at Blackburn College where he taught State and Local Government. He has served as a volunteer firefighter, and, for five years, served as the Head Cross Country Coach at Auburn Junior and Senior High School in Illinois.

He and his wife Crissy reside in Dallas and are members of Holy Trinity Catholic Church.  He has one daughter, Katelyn, and an adopted dog, Barney.