Deacon Spotlight: David E. Nash

David E. Nash (1978, BA in Politics)

Environmental Law (Retired), in Rocky River, OH, and New River Valley, VA

Can you please tell us about your career journey after Wake Forest? 

After WFU I attended and graduated from the School of Law at Duke University. I returned to the Cleveland area and began practicing law at a large corporate firm in 1981. I practiced environmental law at that firm for 25 years. I then moved to a boutique environmental law firm where I worked to establish one of the first sustainability law practices in the country. I did so after establishing a civic side career of promoting regional economic development through sustainable business practices, products, services and technologies. I retired from the practice of law at the end of 2025, but remain civically active.

What key personal and/or career experiences led you to where you are today?

First, from a young age, I followed my father’s advice to always do the right thing in life, no matter the consequences. Second, I developed an interest in environmental law shortly after I passed the bar when working on a case that kept a landfill from being built in Ohio’s only national park. From there I learned I could be more effective as an advocate for my clients and the environment from inside the “system,” representing mostly corporate, government and other institutional clients. My practice ranged from regulatory counselling, mergers and acquisitions, enforcement and litigation, and clean technology start ups. My clients included traditional manufacturers, steel mills, nuclear fuel producers, recycling facilities, hazardous waste facilities, landfills, renewable energy developers, farmers leasing land for solar projects and wind farms, park systems, banks, public and private utilities port authorities, real estate developers, cities, counties, and even occasionally as special counsel for the State of Ohio. I always had fun trying to make a difference and enjoyed touring client facilities, no matter how clean or dirty. The joke in my house is that I have toured “all the dumps in the Midwest.” I always kept boots, jeans, and a hard hat in the trunk of my car.

What advice would you give to current Wake Forest students and/or young alumni who are interested in working in your industry?

First, take my father’s advice–always focus on a path so you can do the right thing and be kind in all facets of your life–even as a zealous legal advocate. Second, remain curious and a life long learner. Third, don’t be afraid to take risks or to be a pioneer. Note that arrows in the back go with leadership though! Fourth, develop your writing and speaking communication skills as well as content expertise.

What does community involvement and relationship building look like for you in this phase of your life?

I am having fun mentoring WFU students, recent WFU graduates, and others interested in environmental law or allied professions. I remain active on a number of environmentally and educationally related boards. Developing my own leadership skills and collaborating others on how to do so is a key focus of my civic work.

What lessons have you learned about life and work that you would like mid-career Deacs to know?

Oh, gosh! One can discern many of the lessons I’ve learned along the way from my advice above. Distilling my professional learning to replicable basics, I would say work hard, but work to live, not live to work. I always had time for my children and for other activities that help me be a more whole and healthy person. Do your best to have fun in everything you do. Finally, don’t be afraid to take reasonable career risks; one’s worst nightmares rarely come to pass.

What is next for you in in life? What future goals or plans are you pursuing? How are you approaching them?

Good question. One never knows for sure in life. Now that I am retired from the law, I have more time for civic work, my family, and time at our Blue Ridge Mountain retreat in the New River Valley. Over time, I’ve developed hobbies and activities that I can hopefully enjoy for most of the rest of my life–learning, reading, teaching, cycling, sailing and downhill skiing. Never let opportunities that interest you pass you by!

Story published in April 2026. For current updates about David, visit his LinkedIn profile.