Read more about David’s journey in this Daily Pilot article, “David Wetzel to take the helm of Serving People in Need.”
We are excited to introduce David Wetzel as Executive Director for SPIN OC.
David comes to SPIN from the restaurant industry, most recently serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Farmer Boys Restaurant chain. His restaurant experience brought him face-to-face with the hungry and unhoused throughout Southern California, prompting David to pursue an intentional and passionate career change to help the most vulnerable in our community.
For the last 18 months, David has steeped himself in the nonprofit world, including completing a certificate in Nonprofit Management through the UCI specialized studies program.
He has volunteered with organizations such as Corazon, building modest houses for the needy in Mexico, and Families Forward, helping to administer their intake program. He participated in this year’s Point-in-Time Count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals in Orange County. He also joined the Continuum of Care general membership in 2023.
A lifelong resident of Orange County, David holds a B.S. in Business and Management from the University of Redlands, and an MBA from Chapman University.
As Executive Director, David will work closely with SPIN Family Navigators, Case Managers, and the Board of Directors to shape the future of SPIN, building upon the 30+ year legacy left by former SPIN CEO Jean Wegener and others to improve and stabilize the lives of so many Orange County families and individuals.