David Lenox

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

David Lenox is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit, change management, and organization design and management fields. Skilled in International Relations, Inclusive Governance models, Organizational Development, Social Media, Training. Strong business development professional with a Master of Business Leadership focused in Organization and Change Management from Capella University.

​Most recently, Dave Lenox took over as President and CEO of Special Olympics Washington (SOWA) in August of 2014.

Prior to joining SOWA, Lenox served as Vice President for Leadership Development and Education at Special Olympics Inc. in Washington, DC. Dave began his journey with Special Olympics as a games volunteer in 1976. Moving on to coaching and then becoming a local committee member, he began employment with Special Olympics in 1985 as Area Director for the Kansas City, Missouri area.

In 1987 Lenox became Executive Director for Special Olympics West Virginia, and in 1989 he became CEO for Special Olympics North Carolina. In 1997 Dave was recruited to join the Headquarters office of Special Olympics as Director of Athlete Leadership Programming. In 2003, he took oversight of the Sports Department as well. In his role as the key strategist in the effort to develop leadership and education initiatives that support and advance the work of the Special Olympics Movement. While at Special Olympics International, Dave supervised Family Support, Young Athletes, Athlete Leadership, Youth Activation, EKS Fellowships, and volunteer/staff leadership development programming.

“The most rewarding, and surprising, aspect of my work over the years has been the impact of giving our athletes voice that allows them to advocate for themselves, and for a better world for all of us. I have learned that there are two essential aspects of advocacy: an articulate voice to express both need and solutions; and an audience that is willing to seek and recognize wisdom from unconventional sources – like our athletes. I believe that if we can work simultaneously to help them sharpen their message AND teach ourselves to listen more respectfully and meaningfully, together we WILL change the world.”
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He has a BS in Special Education from Missouri State University and a Master of Science degree in Business Organization and Design from Capella University. Dave has two children. His son Maxwell is a 2016 graduate and former Captain of the Men’s Basketball team at the United States Military Academy at West Point; and his daughter Erin keeps him in check so he doesn’t embarrass her – further. 

DAVID'S RESUME >