Movers and Shakers - David Downing

After serving as Youth Eastside Services’ Chief Operating Officer for 14 years, David W. Downing took the lead position as Chief Executive Officer in May of this year. David is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Child Mental Health Specialist himself, with over 25 years of leadership in the non-profit sector. These roles have given him a great depth of knowledge about the mental health industry and needs of our community’s children, youth and families. At Youth Eastside Services David has ushered in treatment practices utilizing Evidence Based Practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and added psychiatry to the agency’s array of services. He has tirelessly focused on removing barriers to the access of behavioral health services for all children and youth. David’s educational background includes a Master’s degree in Psychology from Seattle Pacific University and a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the University of Washington. Though David gives a lot of credit to his education and professional experience, he says he’s learned far more from his personal behavioral health journey, his role as a parent, his work as a therapist, and as a community volunteer.