David C. Calusdian

David Calusdian Sharon Merrill AssociatesDavid is a passionate communicator with a 25+ year track record of success advising and coaching clients through critical communications events to maximize key stakeholder value, strengthen relationships and build credibility. His work is built upon his deep understanding of executive presence, corporate strategy, capital markets, corporate governance, board relations and the power of connection with crucial stakeholders, including investors, media, employees and customers.

David provides high-level strategic investor relations and communications counsel to clients for a myriad of special situations including IPOs, financings, activist engagements, executive transitions, guidance revisions, mergers and acquisitions, and more. He focuses on working with executives and board members at both private and public companies across a wide range of industries and all markets caps.

David believes in the power of the written, spoken and unspoken word. He is recognized as an expert in executive presentation coaching and strategic messaging with decades of experience coaching the C-suite and board members in developing executive presence and dynamic communications skills. From quarterly earnings calls to investor days, financings to media blitzes, David helps executives connect with important audiences, refine their messaging and enhance credibility when it matters most. In addition, drawing from his own board experience – including serving on the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI) board – and his governance knowledge, David frequently advises clients on ESG, proxy and board-related best practices.

David’s expertise in investor relations, public relations and persuasive speaking has brought him to the front of the classroom as a lecturer at leading academic institutions including Harvard, Georgetown, Boston University and Emerson College, as well as for the National Investor Relations Institute’s (NIRI) annual ‘Writing for IR’ seminar. He is regularly sought after as a professional speaker for high-profile industry events including those hosted by NIRI, NASDAQ, the New York Stock Exchange and the Public Relations Society of America, as well as for corporate leadership conferences. His work has been frequently acknowledged with awards from industry organizations such as the Publicity Club of New England and Public Relations Society of America and he is regularly quoted on investor relations and communication topics by national industry and general interest publications including IR magazine, IR Update and The Boston Globe.

Prior to joining Sharon Merrill in 1995, David leveraged the power of messaging in political campaigns for the political consulting firm Jack Walsh & Associates. Previously, David was the director of public relations at Emerson College, where he received both a B.A. and an M.A. in communications.

David’s recent engagements include:

  • Communications strategy that averted an activist proxy fight.
  • Communications training for new CEO of a large-cap publicly held company.
  • IPO roadshow presentation and management training.

Fast fact: David is an avid cyclist and triathlete having competed the iconic Escape from Alcatraz race and completing a 70.3 Ironman.

Email David at dcalusdian@investorrelations.com.