David Blair

David Blair

Chairman

David Blair has over 25 years of experience as a finance professional who currently works for a leading private equity firm. Through the years he has helped firms with various compliance and operational functions including cash management, investor relations, settlement of investment transactions and developing controls through proper process and procedures. 

He also participated on a committee that helped with a veteran hiring initiative for private equity investee companies. ​In addition, he spent three years on the board of directors of Operation Homefront’s Tri-State Chapter, which is a charity that provides support to veterans and their families. He received a B.S. in Finance from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and an M.B.A. from Rutgers University.  

Program Testimonials

"Operation Surf was refreshing and fun! Of course, it was really great to learn to surf, but OS is so much more than just surfing. Never having surfed before and not being very comfortable in the ocean, I was forced to get out of my own way and trust the process. Being able to accomplish something I thought I wouldn't be able to do was very rewarding, and it ignited a fire in me that I had let go dim. I feel rejuvenated and self-confident again. I look forward to trying new things, going on more adventures, and enjoying the sport of surfing for many years to come."

SOF Participant

2023

"The fact that I was able to completely disconnect from work and fully submerge myself in the experience without any obligations opened up many doors for relaxation, resetting, refocusing, rebuilding, bonding, and both personal and relational healing. We were both struggling individually and as a couple prior to this trip. The professionalism, relatability, enthusiasm, excitement, openness, and care that every single member of Operation Surf displayed towards us and one another was contagious. They helped us find our individual selves again and helped save our marriage."

SOF Participant

2022

"Operation Surf was hands-down the greatest trip that I have ever been on. We travel the world for our jobs and get to see and do things that most people can only dream of, but that’s often filled with guilt while my wife is left juggling her own work, the kids, and everything else life throws at her. We spend a substantial amount of time away from each other with all of the trips, training, and deployments. Getting to share this experience with my wife by my side and finding a new, exciting activity that we both immediately fell in love with truly made this a trip of a lifetime."

SOF Participant

2022