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Dr. David Geske retires as CEO

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After 10 years serving as President and CEO of Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc., Dr. David Geske has decided to retire. Dr. Geske served Bethesda and its affiliation, Good Shepherd Communities (GSC) for nearly 30 years. Below is an interview with Dr. Geske where he discusses his thoughts on the organization, as well as the field of developmental disabilities.

Q:  What do you feel your legacy was at GSC?

A:  At both GSC and Bethesda, I had the goal of getting the people we support into the community. When I started at GSC, we had over 500 people living in institutions, but we eventually got all those people moved into group homes. That transition was definitely an important part of GSC's history. Meanwhile, during my tenure at Bethesda, we started international outreach, which was also a big step forward for us.

Q:  What did you learn from your predecessor, former Executive Director Dr. Alexander Napolitano?

A:  Details, details, details. Alex was very detail oriented. I learned from him that you can’t expect to move forward if you don’t pay attention to those details.

Q:  What do you see as the challenges on the horizon for Bethesda?

A:  Like all social ministry organizations in the field of developmental disabilities, I think Bethesda will encounter some financial challenges in the future. We have been very blessed, but our loss from operations is growing. There needs to be a continued emphasis on doing more for less, especially in the face of declining government support.  Fundraising will be a huge part of overcoming financial loss. I know Bethesda has a strong staff, all of whom are capable of rising to the challenge.

Q:  Explain the partnerships with other Lutheran organizations and service organizations that you’ve helped to establish during your tenure here.

A:  I believe these partnerships were direct products of the friendships we have developed over the years. It was a matter of working together toward a common goal, and the friendships we had with organizations such as the LSA Disability Network and Lutheran Services in America (LSA) helped us to see that we could do that. 

Also, I cannot overemphasize the importance of our relationships with the church. These relationships were critical in ensuring we met our goals for supports and outreach.

Q:  What do you think the future holds for the field of developmental disabilities?

A:  It’s been a very logical progression from institutions, to group homes and finally to individualized supports. I think this is only going to continue and I believe it’s a very good trend.

Q:  What drew you to this particular field?

A:  I was living in Minnesota and I knew I wanted to go to school to pursue a Master’s degree, but I wasn’t sure how I was going to do that. Bethesda’s executive director heard about me and asked if I’d join the staff. When I explained that I still wanted to go back to school, Bethesda offered to send me. So, I began working with Bethesda while working toward my Master’s degree at the University of Tennessee.

Q:  What are your plans for retirement?

A:  I’m not sure yet. I’m thinking about a second career, but I haven’t decided what I want that to be yet. I know I want to do something different, but I’m not sure what. I may decide to begin volunteering.

Q:  Anything else you’d like to add?

A:  It’s been a good 10 years serving as CEO and President of Bethesda, made especially enjoyable by the Board of Directors. For a CEO, the board makes the difference in whether a job goes well or poorly. Thankfully, I have been blessed with an outstanding board. I wish the new President and CEO, Dr. John E. Bauer, and all the staff continued blessings as you continue to provide supports to people with developmental disabilities.