Quick Links
About the Program
Courses and Curriculum
Admissions and Enrollment
Career and Student Success
Other Academic Programs
Department Information
Contact Info
David Wright, MPH
Executive in Residence, HAP
For general inquiries, please contact hap@gmu.com.
Executive in Residence
The Master of Health Administration program in the Department of Health Administration and Policy is one of the few nationally recognized programs that features an Executive in Residence. This unique role connects academic learning to real-world leadership through mentorship, classroom engagement, and strategic guidance. The Executive in Residence enhances the student experience and helps prepare future leaders in healthcare.
Mentorship and Career Guidance
One-on-one coaching, leadership development, and personalized advising
Industry Connections
Networking support, partnerships with national organizations, and access to career opportunities
Curriculum and Classroom Engagement
Guest lectures, capstone feedback, and alignment with healthcare trends
Role Overview
Mentorship
Provides personalized guidance and leadership coaching informed by professional experience.
Networking
Connects students with industry leaders to expand internship, employment, and learning opportunities.
Curriculum Development
Collaborates with faculty to align course content with current challenges and innovations in healthcare.
Guest Lectures and Workshops
Delivers engaging, topical presentations that enhance classroom learning.
Capstone Project Support
Provides expert feedback and industry-informed perspectives to strengthen student work.
Career Roadmap
Helps students explore career pathways tailored to their strengths and interests.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Encourages creative thinking and supports students exploring healthcare technology and innovation.
Meet Dave Wright, Executive in Residence
Dave Wright is a seasoned healthcare executive with more than forty years of experience in strategic planning, marketing, physician integration, and corporate development. He has held senior leadership roles across hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare technology companies. Most recently, he served as chief operating officer at Vital Software, an AI-driven patient engagement company.
Wright holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Virginia Tech and a Master of Public Health with a concentration in healthcare administration from the University of California, Los Angeles. He has also served as adjunct faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University and Marymount University. In addition to his executive leadership, Wright is a certified life and health coach.
“The Executive in Residence program at GMU offers a unique opportunity to engage with accomplished healthcare leaders in a collaborative and supportive environment. Through mentorship, networking events, and student-centered initiatives, Executives in Residence foster a vibrant and engaged community. They provide guidance and inspiration, helping students cultivate their leadership potential, build lasting connections, and achieve their full potential as healthcare leaders.”
— Brenda Helen Sheingold, PhD, FNAP, Division Director, Health Administration and Policy
— Maria Uriyo, PhD, PMP, Assistant Professor and MHA Program Coordinator
Partner Organizations
The Executive in Residence contributes to student engagement and program development through partnerships with national organizations:
- American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
- Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)
- National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE)
- American Hospital Association (AHA)
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)