David Chavern is a lifelong learner who tackles complex challenges head-on and builds environments grounded in openness, honesty and integrity.

As President and CEO of the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI), Chavern leads an industry whose mission is to help Americans build financial security through every stage of life. ACLI’s 275 member companies represent 93 percent of industry assets and provide financial protection products and services to 90 million families.

In his first year in the position, Chavern led the charge in a major tax fight — delivering a win that positioned the industry for long-term success and growth. Now, amid rising costs and longer lives, he is elevating the industry’s unique role in providing financial guarantees to Americans that can last for decades.

Before joining ACLI, Chavern was the President and CEO of Consumer Brands Association, the trade association for America’s $2.1 trillion food, beverage and consumer products industry. He joined the Consumer Brands Association after being President and CEO of the News Media Alliance, the news industry’s leading trade organization, where he rebranded the association and broadened its print focus to include digital media.

Chavern has built a career spanning 30 years in executive, strategic, operational and legal roles. Prior to association leadership, he spent a decade at the United States Chamber of Commerce, serving as the President of the Center for Advanced Technology & Innovation and as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing operations, strategy and advocacy for the 500-person organization during periods of intense media attention.

A proud alumnus, Chavern also served on the board of trustees of his alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh, and as Chair of the Governance and Nominating and Risk Committees. He is a founding investor in several new companies like Column, an innovator in expanding the distribution of public interest information, and Starling Trust Sciences, a pioneer in risk governance and supervision technologies. He has been named in The Hill’s “Top Lobbyists” and was one of the Washingtonian’s “250 Most Influential People.”

Chavern holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh, an MBA from Georgetown University, and is a graduate of Villanova University’s School of Law. He lives in Falls Church, Virginia with his wife and has adult children.