2016 40 Under 40 Honoree: David Lind, 32

David Lind is actively guiding the area professionals of tomorrow. Lind works at Ozarks Technical Community College as the coordinator of adviser training and development. At OTC, he says he stays on top of current admissions and registration procedures, advising and training the 250 advisers that work across the school’s five campuses. Lind also might meet directly with 20 students on a typical day. Lind’s contributions to the community also include working as an academy counselor each summer for the past five years at the Missouri Public Affairs Academy. He also has spent many hours intervening in the lives of homeless and at-risk youth at the nonprofit Rare Breed in Springfield.

What was your first job? Catholic Supply of St. Louis, where I was an item pricing guru and shipping and receiving specialist. I was also 14.

What is your theme song? “This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody),” by Talking Heads.

What is your best productivity hack? Coffee in the morning, water for lunch, tea in the afternoon.

What was your professional “aha” moment? As a part-time employee of OTC and graduate student in Missouri State’s Student Affairs in Higher Education program, I realized my strong desire to work with community college students, specifically at OTC. I’ve come to embrace the idea that the community colleges are the fuel in the economic engine driving our communities.