email: david.youncejr@gmail.com
How long have you lived in Woodlake? 15 years
Where did you move from? Hallsley
Describe any previous experience serving on a board, particularly if for a property owners association.
Director of Finance, Association Talent Development Greater Richmond; Director of Finance Biz Works Enterprise Center; SCORE Richmond
What other activities or groups are you involved in at Woodlake or outside of Woodlake?
Reinhardt Guest House, Meals on Wheels
6 Questions Asked of Each Board Candidate:
1. How do you describe Woodlake to other people?
Woodlake is widely recognized in the region, but it’s true value is best understood from within. Very few communities combine a reservoir setting with thoughtfully designed amenities and an engaged, invested neighborhood culture the way Woodlake does. It’s a community that offers natural beauty, well-maintained amenities, and, most importantly, neighbors who genuinely care about where they live.
My family has called Woodlake home for over 15 years. We’ve raised our two children here, built lasting friendships, and experienced firsthand the sense of connection that makes this neighborhood special. People take pride in their homes, look out for one another, and invest in the long-term health of the community.
When I describe Woodlake, I don’t just talk about the lake, trails, or amenities — I talk about the people. It’s a place where relationships matter, where families grow, and where residents are committed to preserving what makes it special.
2. What do you consider to be the primary functions and responsibilities of the Board of Directors?
The primary responsibility of the Board is stewardship — protecting the long-term financial health, stability, and character of the community.
That includes sound fiscal oversight, responsible planning for future capital needs, maintaining community standards, and ensuring that policies are applied fairly and consistently. The Board must act in the best interest of the membership as a whole, balancing today’s concerns with long-term sustainability.
Equally important is listening. Residents should feel heard and respected, even when there are differing viewpoints. Board members must be willing to thoughtfully consider feedback, evaluate it objectively, and make decisions based on what best serves the entire community — not react emotionally or take disagreement personally. Board members must also be prepared to explain their decisions openly and take responsibility for the impact those decisions have on the community.
In short, the Board’s role is to provide steady, transparent, and principled leadership that preserves and strengthens Woodlake for current residents and future generations.
3. What personal characteristics/skills do you possess that you believe will enhance the performance of the Board?
As a career banker and SVP in commercial lending, I spend my days evaluating financial decisions, managing risk, and helping ensure long-term stability for the organizations and clients I serve. That experience has strengthened my ability to review budgets carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and think several steps ahead when making decisions that affect long-term outcomes.
In addition to my professional background, I have prior board experience and have led large, multi-faceted community and professional projects— including organizing county Christmas parades and coordinating conferences with the Association for Talent Development. Events like these involve budgeting, vendor coordination, logistics, timelines, and communication across many stakeholders. They require preparation, organization, and the ability to stay steady when unexpected issues arise.
I also value listening and thoughtful leadership. I try to approach discussions objectively, consider differing perspectives, and focus on what best serves the group as a whole. If entrusted with this role, I would come prepared, take the responsibility seriously, and remain focused on protecting and strengthening the Woodlake community for the long term.
4. What is your experience, attendance, and/or participation in board and/or committee meetings at Woodlake?
While I haven’t served formally on a Woodlake committee or attended every Board meeting in person, I have been an engaged and attentive resident for over 15 years. I regularly read the Woodlake Weekly Digest and community communications, review board and committee meeting recaps, and stay informed about key decisions affecting the community. When my schedule allows, I’ve quietly attended board meetings and am familiar with the monthly format and the “Member Voice” opportunity where residents can speak directly with the Board.
I also participate in community life through events and neighborhood activities, including organizing and attending game nights and other social gatherings. Being involved in these informal settings has helped me understand what residents value and how different perspectives contribute to community cohesion.
Outside of Woodlake, I have served on several advisory and governance boards — including bank advisory boards, served the Biz Works Enterprise Center as Director of Finance, and as Director of Finance for the Association for Talent Development. In these roles I regularly participated in meetings, helped set direction, reviewed financial performance, and collaborated with diverse stakeholder groups to achieve shared outcomes. That experience has prepared me to engage effectively, ask good questions, and contribute to productive meetings if selected to serve on the Woodlake Board.
5. What do you feel are the main issues and/or concerns confronting Woodlake over the next 3 to 5 years.
First and foremost, my priority would be listening. Every community has its own rhythms, concerns, and perspectives, and I believe effective board service begins with understanding what residents are experiencing and what they value most.
From what I have observed and heard, one key area of ongoing importance is the health and sustainability of Swift Creek Reservoir and our surrounding waterways. The lake is central to Woodlake’s character and quality of life, and I appreciate the work already being done by the Environmental & Maintenance Committee in monitoring and protecting this vital asset. Continued attention to water quality, shoreline protection, and long-term environmental stewardship will be essential to preserving both community enjoyment and property values.
Another area to monitor is the impact of continued regional growth. As Chesterfield County expands, traffic patterns, entryway safety, and coordination with county planning and public safety agencies may become increasingly important. Residents value safety, accessibility, and maintaining the character of the neighborhood amid outside growth.
More broadly, maintaining strong communication and fiscal responsibility will remain foundational. Clear updates about projects, responsible budgeting, and thoughtful long-term planning are critical to sustaining trust and ensuring Woodlake remains a desirable place to live.
If selected to serve, I would approach these priorities with a steady, long-term perspective and a commitment to listening, collaboration, and responsible stewardship.
6. Residents have expressed concern over the upkeep and conditions of Woodlake Community common and/or open space as designed under the master plan. As a candidate, do you have a vision, or can you share your thoughts on this topic?
Woodlake’s common areas and open spaces are part of what makes this community distinctive. The original master plan created not just amenities, but a sense of identity — preserving natural beauty while providing shared spaces that bring residents together.
My view is that protecting and maintaining those assets must remain a priority, but it should be approached thoughtfully and sustainably. Well-maintained common areas support property values, quality of life, and community pride. At the same time, improvements and enhancements should be guided by careful planning, realistic budgeting, and long-term reserve considerations.
I believe the best approach is proactive rather than reactive — investing in preventative maintenance, regularly evaluating conditions, and prioritizing projects based on both safety and long-term impact. Open communication with residents about timelines, costs, and tradeoffs is equally important so that expectations remain aligned with available resources.
If entrusted to serve, I would support preserving the integrity of the master plan while ensuring that maintenance and improvements are handled responsibly, transparently, and with an eye toward long-term sustainability.