David Etzwiler is Chief Executive Officer of the Siemens Foundation, the corporate philanthropic arm of Siemens USA, and a member of Siemens’ U.S. Leadership Team. Throughout his career, David’s leadership has been at the intersection of business, government, and philanthropy.
The Siemens Foundation has emerged as a powerful force for economic, social, and racial justice across the United States. The Foundation focuses its efforts on two critical areas that align societal needs and Siemens' knowledge, networks, and technological strengths: 1. Advancing workforce training and, 2. Reducing health disparities. The Foundation’s initiatives target workforce development in healthcare and electrification careers, transforming industries and markets while significantly improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
Professional Background
Prior to joining Siemens, David served as Vice President of Community Affairs and Executive Director of the Medtronic Foundation. In this role, he aligned the Foundation's philanthropy with Medtronic's global business strategy, building substantial value for the organization and society. While at Medtronic, David managed the Foundation's growth from $6.5 million to $31.6 million annually, while simultaneously introducing operational and budget efficiencies that enhanced service levels and quality. David’s tenure at Medtronic also included leading state government affairs efforts in Medtronic’s headquarters state and serving on the board of its political action committee.
Education and Early Career
David earned his Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School, a Master of Public Policy from The Claremont Graduate University and his B.A. from Northwestern University. Before his career in philanthropy, he practiced law with a focus on charitable giving, estate planning, and non-profit management, providing a strong foundational understanding for his subsequent leadership roles.
Board Leadership and Industry Recognition
David serves on the Board of the Siemens Foundation, is an advisor to the Charles L. Shor Foundation, and is a past Chair of the Conference Board's Corporate Social Responsibility Committee. David ‘s board experience also includes the National Council on Foundations, where he chaired both the Corporate and Global Philanthropy Committees and co-chaired the Task Force on the Future of Corporate Philanthropy.
- Email: david.etzwiler@siemens.com
- Linkedin: Connect with David
