David (Dave) Ortendahl currently serves as Executive Director, Corporate Partnerships for WPI. In this role, Dave oversees the central Office of Corporate Partnerships (OCP), which provides strategy development and consulting for partners, and strengthens the ecosystem surrounding workforce development, economic development, research, and philanthropic efforts through the development of opportunities for faculty, staff, and students.

Over the years, Dave has served at both private & public institutions in Higher Education in divisions of student affairs, academic & corporate engagement, and university advancement. After 12 years of leading employer relations in the WPI Career Development Center (rated Top 5 in the US by Princeton Review during his tenure), Dave began leading the WPI Corporate Relations Office in 2020. In 2023 the office was rebranded to the Office of Corporate Partnerships, serving as the designated 'front door' to the university.

Dave is also active in personal and professional communities. He serves as Co-President for the Network of Academic Corporate Relations Officers (NACRO) and received NACRO’s inaugural “Rising Star Award” in July 2019 and NACRO's "Presidents' Award" in 2021. He also supports youth sports and faith organizations as a volunteer in his hometown.

Pronouns: he/him/his

EDUCATION

EdD, Candidate - Higher Education Leadership, Regis College

MBA, Marketing, Suffolk University

BS, Business Administration, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)

BA, Fine & Performing Arts, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)

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