About Me
Visionary author, influential speaker, and pioneering leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a dynamic career spanning over two decades, I've transformed organizations and empowered individuals through insightful writings and impactful speeches.
D.A. (David Anthony) Abrams is a multifaceted leader and entrepreneur, serving as the Founder of Wingdale Harbors, Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Group, Dave Abrams Tennis Services, Inc., and Urban Ikon LLC. Currently, as Chief Operating Officer at Groundswell, I oversee accounting, finance, information and technology systems, human resources, marketing & communications, fund development, research, business development, and overall operations.
My journey includes serving as Managing Director for the CFP Board Center for Financial Planning (2019-2022), where I cultivated a quality workforce, fostered a more diverse financial planner workforce reflective of changing US demographics, and elevated the discipline of financial planning.
As the immediate past Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the United States Tennis Association (USTA) from 2012 to 2019, I developed and innovated the USTA's D&I initiatives at national, regional, and grassroots levels. I utilized a six-prong approach while advocating D&I as one of the USTA's core values, launching the groundbreaking "All Hands on Deck - Plan of Attack" and implementing the transformative "Cross Cultural Dexterity Training" program.
Professional Experience
- •Founder of Wingdale Harbors, Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Group, and Dave Abrams Tennis Services
- •Chief Operating Officer at Groundswell
- •Former Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at USTA (2012-2019)
- •Managing Director, CFP Board Center for Financial Planning (2019-2022)
- •26 years of leadership experience with USTA
Published Author
- •Six influential books on leadership, diversity, and success
- •Certified Association Executive (CAE)
- •Featured in Associations Now Magazine and Diversity Executive Magazine
- •Best-selling author with practical frameworks for success
Recognition & Impact
- •USTA Middle States Section Hall of Fame inductee (2017)
- •Black Tennis Hall of Fame inductee (2018)
- •Tennis Industry Magazine "Top 40 under 40" (2000)
- •Chairman and President of the Black Tennis Hall of Fame
- •Backstage Capital Limited Partner and Angel Investor
Personal Journey
- •Introduced to tennis at age 12 through National Junior Tennis & Learning program
- •Nationally ranked junior player
- •Undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Millersville University
- •Master's degree from Metropolitan State University
- •Life-long lover of tennis
Who I Am
Husband | Father | Son | Brother | Uncle | Nephew | Cousin | Friend | Certified Association Executive (CAE) | C-Suite Executive | Board Director | Entrepreneur | Intrapreneur | Advisor | Coach | Author | Speaker | Life-long Lover of TENNIS!
Board (Current & Past) Leadership Positions
Chairman and President (until 2026)
Black Tennis Hall of Fame
Treasurer (until 2026)
National Association of Asian American Professionals
Vice President
Millersville University Foundation
Committee Member (until 2025)
Metropolitan State University Foundation - Outreach & Engagement