David MacDonald
Executive Director
David was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, and attended college and seminary in Ohio as well. Most of his ministry career has taken place there, except for two years spent in England, serving Methodist and Anglican churches.
He’s an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, as well as a Benedictine monk, as a member of the dispersed St. Brigid of Kildare monastery. He’s a trained spiritual director and retreat leader, and for the past 11 years has served as the chaplain at Ohio Northern University, located in Ada, Ohio.
He met his wife, Kelly, while in college, and they now have two adult children. They also have a lab mix dog named Felix (which is Latin for “happy go lucky,” and fits his personality well), and two cats: Jupiter, and Nebula (they’re out of this world!).
David likes to spend his spare time knitting and crocheting, reading (especially non-fiction, historical fiction, and sci-fi/fantasy fiction), being outdoors, and playing his bagpipes. You will see him around the Forest in one of his signature kilts, which represent both his Scottish heritage and his commitment to comfort!
He’s a tea aficionado and loves meeting people over a steaming mug of a good brew. He’s delighted to be a part of the Forest community, sharing sacred space with all who visit here.
