From Caregiver to Co-Chair:
How David Harrison is Making a Difference with AgeWell Baltimore
Meet David Harrison, a Baltimore native who grew up in Pikesville and attended the University of Maryland. He’s the owner of a boutique public relations agency. He is co-chair and co-founder with Neil Sweren of AgeWell Baltimore’s upcoming event, Generations, Conversations and Community. The two serve as presidents of their respective synagogues — David at Beth El Congregation and Neil at Beth Tfiloh Congregation.
Here are 10 things to know about David.
1. David is married to Elise (Greenspun) Harrison, also from Baltimore, and they have two kids – Emma (25) and Ethan (23).
2. David is participating in The Associated’s Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership’s Kesher program for adults ages 45+ interested in exploring Jewish identity and building connections with peers in Ashkelon, Israel.
“I’ve never been to Israel, and I’m very excited about going. We’ll be immersed in the local culture and life of Ashkelon residents. They live near Gaza, Israel is their home, and I can’t wait to experience life from their perspective. And I know we’ll see the things we’re meant to see, the Kotel, museums, symbols of life and Judaism in the Holy Land.”
3. One lesson his job has taught him that everyone should learn at some point in their life?
“To be honest. Authenticity drives the ability to get your message across.”
4. As a PR specialist, David says a common myth or misconception about the industry is that “people say that it’s “spin” or somehow a distortion of reality. Sometimes we’re advocating a point of view, but that doesn’t mean it’s twisting the truth.”
5. For fun, David likes to swim, run, read and visit his children as often as possible. His daughter, Emma lives in Charleston, SC and son, Ethan lives in NYC. “They are living their best, authentic lives and I could not be prouder of them.”
6. The best advice he received from his parents is to always tell the truth. And, the best advice he gave his children? “Do as I say, not as I did. No, I’m kidding. I want them to enjoy their lives, explore their talents, work for the future but live in the present.”
7. Top 3 people David would invite to a dinner party?
David Letterman. I’ve always admired him for his talents, his sense of humor and his ability to recognize his flaws and effort to become a better person.
John Lennon. I want to know what we’ve missed all these years without him.
Abraham Lincoln. I just don’t know how you persevere with your vision in the midst of so much death (not only the war but in his personal life), and opposing forces. From what I’ve read, he also maintained his sense of humor throughout. That’s key, I think.
8. The song that best describes David’s phase of life right now – Standing Outside the Fire by Garth Brooks.
9. According to David, three words that best describe him are – Witty, earnest and eager.
10. As far as interest in the upcoming Generations, Conversations and Community event David says “I found myself in a position where I was a key decision-maker/caregiver for both of my parents and I was not prepared. My brother is my partner, but he lives in New York and I was the one on the ground. When I met Neil Sweren we discovered how common it is for people of our age to be thrust into the role of ‘parenting our parents.’ We hope the AgeWell Baltimore event reaches a lot of people and fulfills the need that we believe exists.”
To learn more about the event or to register, please visit associated.org/event/generations-conversations-and-community/
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