David earned his Ph.D. in botany from the University of Texas in Austin and was a professor of botany at Texas Tech University for 13 years before leaving academia. At the request of Lady Bird Johnson in 1984, he became the first Executive Director of the the National Wildflower Research Center, which he led for 13 years. During his administration, he was actively involved in numerous nonprofit organizations across the country,including the American Association of Botanical Gardens, and Arboreta and the American Association of Museums.

At Dini Partners, David helps organizations by giving them the tools and confidence to be successful. Considering himself to be both a coach and advisor, he brings experience and a focus on solutions to his clients. Known as someone who can get tings done, Dr. David Northington enjoys working in philanthropy because it gives him the opportunity to interact with "energetic, bright and capable colleagues, and to work with organizations that are motivated to grow and improve."