David Sheldon

About David Sheldon

Hi, I’m David Sheldon. Product design, development, and launch excite me — and I’m highly skilled at all three. Manufacturing is a space where I thrive, from the shop floor to strategy. I’m passionate about the discipline and art of program and project management, and I do it exceptionally well. I love people — especially coaching, mentoring, developing, and leading them. With global experience, I’m comfortable doing important work anywhere, with anyone. I’m a helluva engineer in many ways. Let’s connect — I’d love to meet you.Here’s some more details: I’m a systems-level innovator who thrives at the intersection of product development, operational excellence, and human-centered leadership. With deep roots in R&D, manufacturing, and cross-functional program leadership I bring a rare combination of technical mastery, Lean expertise, and emotional intelligence to every challenge.From transforming a refrigeration plant into a water heater facility to pioneering digital collaboration during the COVID pandemic, my career has been defined by turning big, complex ideas into scalable solutions that work in the real world. Innovation & Product DevelopmentI bring over 20 years of experience developing and commercializing new technologies in highly regulated, capital-intensive industries. Whether leading the Keurig refrigerator partnership or architecting next-gen water heating solutions, I integrate user needs, manufacturing realities, and lifecycle costs into breakthrough designs. I’m a committed practitioner of Lean Product and Process Development—with a focus on Entrepreneurial System Design, Integrated Problem Solving, and Creating Knowledge Before Commitment. Program & Cross-Functional LeadershipI lead with clarity and collaboration, managing multi-disciplinary teams across R&D, Operations, Quality, and Product Management. I view program management not as task oversight, but as opportunity architecture—building the conditions for innovation to take root and scale. My leadership style is humble, accountable, and grounded in deep respect for people. Team Building & Emotional IntelligenceI\'m known for truly understanding and valuing individuals. I bring energy to teams by combining clear technical insight with empathy and a strong sense of purpose. I\'m self-aware and open about my growth areas, intentionally surrounding myself with people whose strengths balance mine. I embrace productive challenges that drive progress and I have a track record of cultivating empowered, high-achieving teams.

Experience

1. Enterprise Program Director

   GE Appliances, a Haier company

   Jan 2025 — Present

   Spearheading strategic, enterprise-wide manufacturing and technology initiatives for the Water Heater business, aligning innovation with business strategy.

Education

• University of Alabama at Birmingham

  MSME, Mech. Engineering

  1994 — 1996

• Georgia Institute of Technology

  BSME, Mechanical Engineering

  1988 — 1993