09/13/2026
It is with profound sadness that Entrepreneurship For Everyone shares the unexpected passing of David J. Lewis, our co-founding Executive Director and a deeply valued friend and business partner.
David brought decades of leadership in association management, public affairs, communications, community development, and strategic partnerships. He served as Executive Director of the Association of School Business Officials International and the Arizona Association of School Business Officials, and previously led two Arizona chambers of commerce as President and CEO.
His career reflected a consistent commitment to strengthening organizations, connecting communities, advancing local businesses, and creating opportunities for others to grow.
David played a foundational role in establishing Entrepreneurship For Everyone. He helped build our initial board, shape EFE’s early organizational structure, and support the delivery of entrepreneur development programs and events.
He also helped organize and deliver the HBCU Entrepreneurs’ Week conferences and pitch competitions in Hampton, Virginia, and New Orleans, Louisiana, as well as the inaugural multi-city WE Brunch for women entrepreneurs, hosted at Xavier University of Louisiana.
To the EFE community, David was a trusted collaborator, thoughtful connector, and steadfast champion of our vision that entrepreneurship should have no boundaries.
We are grieving alongside David’s family, friends, colleagues, and the many communities he served. His absence leaves an irreplaceable void, but his contributions will remain part of the foundation on which EFE continues to build.
Entrepreneurship For Everyone will carry forward David’s legacy through our continued commitment to being inclusive, collaborative, committed, and trusted.
We extend our deepest condolences to David’s loved ones. Information about memorial arrangements and additional ways to honor David’s memory will be shared as details become available.
Rest in peace, David.
