David McDonald
BS 1987, Animal Science
Warrenville, Illinois
In 1987, fresh from ISU, project manager David McDonald joined OSI Industries—a growing food processor. His goal was a challenging one: expand OSI’s business internationally in Latin America and Asia. McDonald proved so successful at this task and others that he eventually was promoted to senior executive vice president/Americas and Asia/Pacific zone manager before his 40th birthday. Today he serves on the board of directors for the company, which has grown to become one of the largest privately held companies in the world and generates more than $3 billion in annual revenues as a supplier of beef, pork, poultry, pizza, seafood, and vegetable products to customers around the world.
McDonald began his relationship with OSI when he interned with the company as an active ISU student—a significant time commitment for someone who was also involved with Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, Greek Week, the Student Alumni Association, VEISHEA, and as senior class president. A campus leader who set an example for others, McDonald was honored during his ISU days with the Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award, Cardinal Key, Order of Omega, and the L.N. Hazel Award—the Animal Science High Scholarship Award.
Today, McDonald lists his most important roles as husband to Mindy and “Dad” to Scott, Megan, Katie, Brian, Clare, and Bridget. Committed to faith, family, and community, he is a member of the St. Michael School Board and St. Michael Parish Capital Campaign committee and has worked with numerous civic projects in his hometown. McDonald is also on the executive board of the American Meat Association, the meat industry’s largest association, and is a member of Iowa State’s Order of the Knoll. He is a lifetime member of the ISU Alumni Association, for which he has been involved as both a volunteer and alumni ambassador.
