David Cunningham will retire from HFC May 10

Dr. David Cunningham, HFC Director of Financial Services and the president of Local 71, will retire from the College, effective May 10.

Cunningham joined HFC in 2004, coming from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He was elected to the Local 71 presidency in 2009.

“For having the smallest property taxing district of all community colleges in the state of Michigan, HFC has grown to be one of the Top 5 in the state (enrollment-wise),” said Cunningham, of Birmingham. “The College survives by pure tenacity.”

Cunningham says he is retiring due to the “right combination of age and years of service.” He will become the vice president of finance at Presbyterian Villages of Michigan in Southfield.

“My professional goal has been to rise to the level of vice president and/or CFO,” said Cunningham. “This is a promotional opportunity.”

“I led one of the best staffs at the College”

Born in Kansas City, MO, Cunningham moved with his family to Michigan when he was a young child. A 1978 alumnus of the previous Cherry Hill High School in Inkster, Cunningham earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting and his master’s degree in public policy, both from UM-Dearborn. He went on to earn his doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies with a minor in statistics from Wayne State University.

During his time at HFC, Cunningham lists many achievements, including reorganizing Financial Services. The reorganization has stood the test of time. He also implemented the concept of a bursar in the Cashier’s Office.

“I led one of the best staffs at the College,” he said. “Many of my original hires remained with the department for most of the time I've been at HFC.”

He also participated on many committees at the College. He chaired the Strategic Planning Committee for the year, and championed a Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) team.

“I have worked with Dave for the 16 years he’s been at the College. He has been a great leader, boss, mentor, and friend. I wish him all the best. He will be missed by the entire Financial Services Team!” said Barbara Eisterhold, HFC Financial Services Coordinator.

President Russell Kavalhuna expressed his gratitude and good wishes to Cunningham as well. "I am grateful for his collaboration, his professionalism, and his dedication to the College.  He has helped us focus on serving students as our top priority.  I wish David and his wonderful wife Sherry all the best as they take the next steps together in his impressive career."

Leading Local 71

During his time at UM-Dearborn, Cunningham was one of the founding members of its Staff Council, which is combination of hourly and administrative staff. He wrote the Staff Council’s original constitution and served as its president for a term. When he came to HFC, he ran for the presidency of Local 71.

“I felt I was the best qualified when the Local 71 presidency became available,” he said.

Cunningham is proud of many accomplishments during his 11-year stint as union president. Among them:
1). The many contracts Local 71 negotiated and their results.
2). The numerous times he represented Local 71 members to ensure their rights were protected, working individually or as part of a team.
3). The number of current members is nearly 90.

“It has been a pleasure working with Dave as a coworker and in his capacity as president of our Local 71,” said Al Burrell, HFC Director of Information Technology Services. “He has always presented himself professionally, and his years of dedication have improved the College and our union. While I will miss working with Dave, I am sure he will enjoy continued success in his new role.”