David Stewart
Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Ethics Officer
Professional Overview
David Stewart is a seasoned legal executive with over 30 years of experience in the technology, legal, and nonprofit sectors. He currently serves as the Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Ethics Officer at Saltchuk, a diversified transportation and logistics company. In this role, he oversees all legal affairs, ensures ethical compliance, and provides strategic counsel to the executive leadership team.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Ethics Officer at Saltchuk, David is responsible for managing the company's legal strategy, corporate governance, and compliance programs. He works closely with the executive team to mitigate legal risks, negotiate complex contracts, and safeguard the organization's reputation and ethical standards. Since joining Saltchuk in 2022, David has played a pivotal role in facilitating the company's growth and expansion into new markets.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, David served as the General Counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where he provided legal guidance on a range of policy and legislative matters. He has also held senior leadership positions at Vulcan Inc., RealNetworks, and Emerald Solutions, where he successfully navigated complex legal and regulatory landscapes, drove strategic initiatives, and mentored cross-functional teams.
Throughout his career, David has demonstrated a strong commitment to ethical business practices and corporate social responsibility. As the Chief Investment Officer and General Counsel at Copper Leaf, LLC, he spearheaded the firm's impact investing program, directing capital towards socially and environmentally responsible projects.
Academic Background
David holds a Juris Doctor degree from Stanford Law School, where he graduated with distinction. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, where he was recognized for his academic excellence and leadership in student organizations.
Areas of Expertise
- Corporate governance and compliance
- Mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships
- Risk mitigation and legal risk management
- Ethical decision-making and organizational culture
- Impact investing and sustainability initiatives
Professional Impact
During his tenure at Vulcan Inc., David played a pivotal role in the company's philanthropic efforts, overseeing the allocation of over $1.5 billion in grants to support initiatives in education, environment, and community development. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the legal profession, serving on the Board of Governors for the American Bar Association and receiving numerous accolades for his pro bono work.
Conclusion
With his extensive legal expertise, strategic mindset, and commitment to ethical leadership, David Stewart is well-positioned to drive Saltchuk's continued growth and success as the Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Ethics Officer. His track record of navigating complex legal and regulatory environments, fostering collaborative partnerships, and championing sustainable business practices make him a valuable asset to the organization and the broader industry.
