Distinguished Alumnus * David McHale, ’82
I
t’s not uncommon for a sports program to influence a student’s choice of colleges. So it was for David McHale,
’82, who as a high school cross country runner, decided to attend Southern. “I fell in love with the indoor track,” says McHale, who ran for the Owls from 1978-81 and remains an avid runner today. Southern’s athletics program may have gotten the young McHale in the door, but it was Professor Emeritus Donald T.
Buck who sparked the competitive runner’s interest in economics. “At some point you realize that you’re not going to be a world-class athlete and you have to pick a path in life,” says McHale, who met Buck in his sophomore year at Southern. McHale completed several independent studies with the professor, who recommended McHale for a plum internship at Northeast Utilities System. McHale worked 20 hours a week at Northeast Utilities during his senior year, conducting economic research and impressing the powers that be. In 1982, with unemployment at a sky-high level, the new graduate was offered a full-time position as a research analyst at the company. He jumped at the opportunity — and build-
But it’s not all about work for
Foundation Board of Directors, and serves
ing on a strong work ethic, steadily climbed
McHale, who went on to earn a graduate
as the organization’s treasurer and as the
the corporate ladder. In 2005 he was pro-
degree from the University of New Haven
chairman of its Finance Committee. The
moted to executive vice president and chief
in 1986 and completed several executive
McHales also support Southern’s student
financial officer (CFO), his current position.
education programs at Stanford University.
athletes by funding scholarships for those
“Typically, people who reach the CFO level
He and his wife, Shannon, also a
who meet high academic standards.
have had other careers,” says McHale. “I
runner, have six children between them —
had a great internship opportunity.”
and in addition to spending time with the
gered a real passion for learning and
family, the hardworking executive is com-
achievement,” says McHale. “It prepared
Today McHale oversees 400 tech-
“My experience at Southern trig-
nology professionals and is responsible for
mitted to community service. To accom-
me to launch right into the workforce and
treasury, accounting, investor relations,
plish it all, McHale rises at 4:15 a.m. and
hit the ground running. To this day, I
financial planning, and more for Northeast
often runs 8-13 miles before work.
Utilities, which operates New England’s
He remains connected to his alma
largest utility system, serving more than 2
mater as well. McHale is a member of the
million customers.
Southern Connecticut State University
remain thankful, involved, and committed to the university.”
By Joan Wells Winter 2011 | 17
