OUR HISTORY
The Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation was born out of a desire to encourage children to reach their full potential. The story of the Finish Strong Foundation actually begins in 2003, when we were originally founded as the DMSE Children’s Fitness Foundation which focused on children’s fitness and encouraging healthy lifestyles. However, a healthy and fulfilling childhood goes beyond the physical.
In 2022, we reimagined our branding and mission to relaunch as the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation. This refresh spotlighted our long-held belief that children who increase their physical activity, receive help to improve their literacy, accomplish goals that heighten their self-esteem, and have a strong community behind them to support it all will build a solid foundation for a fulfilling life.
MISSION + VISION
Our mission at the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation is to inspire and empower youth across New England and beyond to increase physical activity, expand literacy, and build community and self-esteem though running, reading, and performing acts of kindness.
Our vision is rooted in a belief that discovering a passion for physical activity, reading, and acts of kindness at a young age gives individuals self-confidence and self-respect, which empowers them to move forward—one step at a time.
The Foundation is 100% focused on individuals of all ability levels to achieve their goals. Our eighteen-year track record of giving demonstrates our unwavering commitment to preparing individuals for future success and building vibrant communities.
MEET DAVE
Dave McGillivray is an award-winning entrepreneur, philanthropist, motivational speaker, author, and athlete.
Dave is the founder and president of DMSE Sports, a full-service event-management organization. Dave has directed or consulted on more than 1,400 events throughout the world including the Boston Marathon, the Olympic Marathon trials, and the Olympic Games.
Dave is also the founder of the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation, which seeks to inspire and empower youth across New England and beyond to increase physical activity, expand literacy, and build community and self-esteem through running, reading, and performing acts of kindness.
In addition to these two roles, Dave is a sought-after motivational speaker who has given more than 1,400 motivational talks throughout the U.S. and abroad, and was selected to present a Ted Talk. He is also the author of four books, all autobiographical and meant to inspire readers of all ages.
Dave graduated from Medford High School and Merrimack College, both of which named him valedictorian. Dave was born and raised in Medford, and now resides in North Andover, Mass. He is married with five children: Ryan, Max, Elle, Luke, and Chloe.
LEADERSHIP
Dave McGillivray
President and Chairman of the Board
Board of Directors
Barry Chait
Nancy Feehrer
John Mancuso
Staff
Meg Treat, APR
Lisa Borges
Brooke Raasch
Advisors
Denise Potts
Susan Hurley
Ron Kramer
Christina Martin
Courtney McGillivray
Kaite Morgan
Matthew West
Ryan McGillivray