David Garafola began his career in the higher education sector as associate vice president for auxiliary enterprises at Towson University in Maryland. His most significant project in this position involved turning the Burkshire Hotel and Conference Center into upscale apartment living for university students, a 300,000 square foot renovation project. Following his time at Towson, David Garafola spent three years as vice president for financial affairs and treasurer at the College of Notre Dame in Baltimore. As chief business officer of the regional college, his responsibilities encompassed all aspects of finance, treasury, risk management, and all related areas.

More recently, Mr. Garafola spent six years as vice president for business affairs and chief financial officer of Parker University in Dallas, Texas. While leading the university in areas of strategic planning and finance, among other leadership responsibilities, he remained an active member of the Dallas community. He took part in a number of beneficial community projects, particularly those designed to address homelessness in the area, volunteering with Dallas Life which provides resources to local individuals dealing with issues of homelessness, as well as the North Dallas Food Bank.