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Photo of David H. McKinley, CFP®

David H. McKinley, CFP®

President and Chief Investment Officer

David serves as the president and chief investment officer of the company he founded in 2003. To these roles he brings a tireless passion for the pursuit of excellence and a lifetime of professional investment experiences which positions him well to provide strategic direction to the overall investment program, advisory team and the firm in general. David is also an advisory member of McKinley Carter's Illiquid Assets Specialized Practice Group.

Licensing and Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration West Liberty University
  • As a lifelong learner, David regularly pursues valuable and relevant knowledge through non-degree programs at a variety of academic institutions, including Harvard Business School, The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and College for Financial Planning.

Accomplishments and Honors

Prior to founding McKinley Carter, David held roles at a regional bank's trust department where he learned the fundamentals of investment analysis and portfolio management, working on a team overseeing billions of assets. Building on his trust department experiences, he joined a national firm as a vice-president of investments, leading a team of advisors serving high-net-worth families, small- to medium-sized businesses and non-profit organizations.

McKinley Carter, under David's leadership, has grown to be among the largest and fastest-growing wealth management firms, recognized for excellence in our care for clients and colleagues.

Community Involvement

As an eighth generation West Virginian, David is proud to be living in the Mountain State with his wife and two teenaged children. He is a devoted Mountaineer with a deep commitment to advancing the economy and quality of life for all West Virginians. His compassionate approach to capitalism creates high paying jobs and contributes to the communities where our employees live and work.

David’s community contributions are vast:

  • Since 2008, he has been a member and leader within the Young Presidents Organization, Mountain State chapter and East Central region.
  • In May 2009, David was appointed by the Governor of West Virginia to serve as a trustee of the Investment Management Board, overseeing more than $20 billion of public funds. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed as an advisor to the Pittsburgh branch of the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank.
  • In 2016, David co-founded the Community Fitness Challenge, bringing together local CEOs to compete in a 90-day challenge to raise funds for local nonprofits.
  • In 2019, David was appointed as a Wheeling Park commissioner overseeing operations of the city's municipal park system.
  • In 2019, David co-founded the FACTS initiative, organizing a group of members committed to helping overcome homelessness in our community.
  • In 2021, David was appointed by West Virginia Governor Jim Justice to the West Liberty University Board of Governors.
  • David is also a member and former president of the Wheeling Rotary Club and is a Paul Harris fellow and major donor to the Rotary Foundation.

Selected Recognitions

Selected Resources

David’s Articles
Board Composition Blog DHM USE

3 Types of Board Members: Why All Are Essential for Organizational Success

Many people find enjoyment in service on boards of directors for their favorite non-profit organizations. The most effective boards seem to have a thoughtful and strategic approach to selecting their directors with the intentions of achieving and maintaining an appropriate balance of skills, experiences, and interests that serve the organization’s interests very well. This issue is particularly important among selection of officers for the board. Learn more.

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Bitcoin Banner

Bitcoin: Coming to a 401(k) Plan Near You?

Greater media attention has caused Bitcoin interest to surge. However, the prudence in adding Bitcoin to a retirement plan is questionable, at best. Learn more.

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DHM Blog Pic edited

Is Your Investment Spending Policy Sustainable?

Whether in portfolios of our own or for those for whom we have fiduciary responsibility, like our favorite non-profit organizations, it's important for us to remain aware of anticipated net distribution rates and investment returns for the asset allocation strategy selected for the portfolio's investments.

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Expect to Leave Invigorated.

Every conversation with McKinley Carter is an energizing experience, an opportunity to take your financial instincts and confidence to the next level—starting with the very first one.

Reach out for a consultation.
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