2021 Rita Harmon Volunteer Service Award David Alderson
It was our great pleasure to recognize David Alderson with the 2021 Rita Harmon Volunteer Service Award at the Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition on January 27, 2022. Kitty Harris Wilkes presented her longtime friend with the award.
“Each of you are here today because you're volunteering and have a wonderful gift; and as The Beatles said, the amount of love you take is equal to the amount of love you make.” ~ David Alderson
About David Alderson
David was born and raised in Lubbock. His parents, Pat and the late Jack Alderson instilled in David a deep understanding of the importance of service to others and to the community as a whole.
David is a proud graduate of Texas Tech University with a degree in business, which has served him very well during his professional career. He was first employed in the family’s auto dealerships in 1984, became General Manager in 1992, and then was President and CEO for 23 years until the business sold this past year.
For many years, David has been very involved in Lubbock’s economic development. He was a member of the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance Board and was Chairman for six years. He has also spent a great deal of time in service to the City of Lubbock as a member of the Downtown TIF Board as well as a board member of the Lubbock Downtown Development Corporation, serving as Board Chairman there from 2018 to the present.
David has also put his efforts into educational efforts, having served on the Talkington School for Young Women Leaders Advisory Council and the Texas Tech Chancellor’s Council. His latest endeavor is working to establish the Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurship at the Rawls College of Business.
David began his involvement with Lubbock Area United Way early in his professional career at Alderson Enterprises, first serving as a Loaned Executive 30 years ago in 1992. He went on to serve in numerous roles for United Way including service in various positions on the Annual Campaign Cabinet, Board of Directors, and Board committees.
With all his other civic involvements, it took some doing, but he agreed to Chair the United Way Annual Campaign in 2012. His leadership and dedication resulted in a record amount of contributions at that time of more than $5.6 million.
David and his wife Lisa have three daughters: Lauren, Emily, and Lily, and two grandchildren, Grace and Jack.
About the Rita Harmon Award
Rita Harmon served as the Lubbock Area United Way Board Chair in 1992 and 1993. Her untimely death took a great leader from United Way and the rest of the community. Each year, the United Way Board Chair appoints a committee to carefully select a deserving recipient. The criteria are as follows:
- A commitment of service to others
- Determination and persistence in fulfilling volunteer obligations
- Loyalty and integrity
- Actively involved in community activities in addition to United Way
- Dedication to helping people in Lubbock
This prestigious award has been presented each year since 1993.