National Philanthropy Day® Spotlight: David J. Koo

David J. Koo, 2021 Emerging Philanthropist, AFP Chicago Chapter

David Koo devotes a significant amount of time and energy in service to nonprofit organizations. He considers himself fortunate in life, and with that comes the responsibility to give back to his community. He lives life appreciating time is not guaranteed to anyone and sought out his first nonprofit board experience in his early 30’s. He strongly believes his life has been enriched and fulfilled through providing service both philanthropically and through volunteerism.

David serves or has served on several nonprofit boards, including as board chair, chaired or co-chaired three significant fundraising campaigns, and chaired numerous annual fundraising events. He also serves on several nonprofit advisory councils. He is involved with the Latin School of Chicago, the Chicago Children’s Choir, the John G. Shedd Aquarium, Swedish Covenant Hospital, High Jump and his alma mater Notre Dame.

David is Korean American and has supported people who share his heritage. He is one of the founders of the Council of Korean American community through collaboration and leadership development. David is a former board member of Hanul Family Alliance, a community-based nonprofit focused on providing services to meet the needs of Korean American seniors in the greater Chicago area.

Professionally, David has been at RoundTable Healthcare Partners, a healthcare-focused private equity firm since its inception in 2001, and now serves as a senior adviser. Previously, he worked in investment banking at Credit Suisse and in accounting at KPMG.

David has lived in Chicago and its suburbs most of his entire life. He has been married to his wife Lesly for over 20 years, and they have three children Maddie, Vivie and Nathan.

The AFP Chicago Chapter is celebrating National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 5. Learn more about the event here.