David Shilkitus
Welcome to the digital hub of David Shilkitus, a dedicated leader, educator, and strategist whose career spans military service, education, and corporate management. This platform reflects David’s lifelong commitment to fostering growth—whether through shaping young minds as a math teacher, leading soldiers with integrity in the U.S. Army, or developing engaging, standards-based math content for students nationwide. With decades of experience in leadership, curriculum design, and organizational development, David has earned a reputation for excellence, discipline, and innovation across multiple fields. Beyond his professional achievements, he is passionate about history, sports, and guiding others through resilience, drawing on his personal experiences as a widower and single father. Through his unique combination of military precision, educational vision, and personal strength, David Shilkitus continues to inspire, teach, and lead with purpose for generations to come.
About David Shilkitus
David Shilkitus has built a diverse and multifaceted career marked by leadership, service, and adaptability across sectors as varied as education, corporate management, military service, and freelance content development. His professional journey reflects a consistent drive to apply his knowledge, discipline, and leadership skills to every role, while his personal experiences give him a unique perspective on resilience, growth, and the power of mentorship.
Academic Foundation
David’s academic accomplishments reveal both intellectual breadth and a commitment to lifelong learning. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The University of Tampa, an experience that shaped his understanding of governance, policy, and the mechanisms of leadership. Building upon this foundation, he pursued advanced studies, earning not one but two master’s degrees—an M.S. in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University and an M.S. in Public Administration from Purdue University.
This dual graduate education not only highlights his academic drive but also illustrates the unique balance of skills he cultivated: the administrative insight to navigate public institutions and the instructional expertise to inspire growth in young learners. These disciplines, woven together, underpin much of his professional life.
A Career in Education and Content Development
David Shilkitus devoted nearly a decade to teaching mathematics in Batesville, Arkansas, where he inspired students to see beyond formulas and equations into the problem-solving and analytical skills that math provides. His dedication to his students was evident early on, as he was elected to serve as the Lead Teacher of the Math Department in only his third year. Under his leadership, students consistently exceeded performance benchmarks, with the percentage of students scoring “Proficient/Advanced” rising by more than 14% each year—a testament to his ability to motivate learners and craft effective instruction.
This experience naturally transitioned into his work as a Freelance Math Content Developer, a role he has held since 2013. In this capacity, David collaborates with clients across the education industry to create standards-based math content for grades 3 through 8. He writes lessons, test preparation materials, and assessments that not only meet state-specific requirements but also engage students in a rigorous and meaningful way. His expertise extends beyond writing—he also analyzes test data to assess program effectiveness and works closely with project coordinators and editors to refine and improve educational products. His dual perspective as both teacher and curriculum developer ensures that his contributions remain grounded in classroom realities while advancing the quality of published and digital resources.
Corporate Leadership and Management
David’s professional path also includes impactful leadership roles in the corporate sector. At Home Depot in Batesville, Arkansas, he served as a MET/Department Supervisor from 2016 to 2020. Here, his role centered on training, coaching, and developing associates to provide exceptional customer service, while also consulting with store management on merchandising strategies. He oversaw the planning, execution, and supervision of large-scale projects designed to optimize merchandising and drive sales. This experience sharpened his skills in personnel management, operational planning, and business development, proving his ability to adapt educational and military leadership skills to the private sector.
Earlier in his career, David worked as a Staffing Agent for Randstad North America, where he connected talent with opportunity. His responsibilities included recruiting, interviewing, testing, and qualifying candidates while also consulting with client companies on their workforce needs. David distinguished himself as a market leader during the implementation of the company’s new PRISM database system, training colleagues and maximizing efficiency across the board. He also created innovative resource analysis tools to improve recruitment processes, a reflection of his analytical mindset and problem-solving acumen.
Before his time at Randstad, he worked as a Production Planner for Linvatec, a medical products company, where he was responsible for managing resource requirements for over 2,000 products in a demanding three-shift manufacturing environment. He was elevated to analyst status during his tenure, overseeing supply logistics for critical items and representing the company at hiring conferences. These early corporate experiences gave David valuable insight into logistics, operations, and large-scale project coordination.
Service to Country – A Distinguished Military Career
One of the most defining chapters of David’s life was his military service as a U.S. Army Cavalry Officer from 1994 to 1999. Rising to the rank of Captain, he commanded and trained combat units, oversaw tactical deployment of armored vehicles, and managed logistics, discipline, finances, and personnel.
David’s leadership left a measurable impact: his platoon recorded the highest gunnery score in the brigade—an impressive first-place finish among 24 platoons. He also spearheaded the development of a comprehensive vehicle maintenance program, restoring 28 combat vehicles to full operational status. Additionally, his exceptional writing and instructional skills earned him the responsibility of drafting the training manual used by all Armor and Cavalry Captains in the U.S. Army, a rare honor that demonstrates both trust in his expertise and his ability to communicate complex concepts with clarity.
Personal Life and Passions
Beyond his professional endeavors, David Shilkitus is a man of wide-ranging interests and deep personal resilience. He is an avid sports fan, following Tampa Bay’s professional teams, Formula One racing, the English Premier League, international soccer, and the PGA Tour. His passion for sports reflects both a love for competition and a recognition of the discipline, teamwork, and strategy that mirror many of the principles he has applied throughout his career.
He is also deeply engaged with military history, particularly the study of armored warfare, the Korean War, World War II, and the storied history of the U.S. 7th Cavalry. This interest aligns naturally with his own military service and his commitment to understanding the lessons of history.
On a more personal note, David has faced profound challenges in his life as a widower and single father. These experiences have given him a deep sense of empathy and perspective, reinforcing his ability to mentor, guide, and inspire others not just in professional settings but also in personal interactions. His journey through grief and resilience underscores the depth of his character and the strength he brings to every role he undertakes.
The story of David Shilkitus is one of dedication, adaptability, and impact across multiple fields. From leading soldiers in the U.S. Army to inspiring students in the classroom, from optimizing corporate operations to creating accessible educational content, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to rise to challenges and deliver meaningful results. His academic achievements, military distinction, professional versatility, and personal resilience combine to paint the picture of a leader who not only excels in diverse environments but also approaches life with determination, integrity, and purpose.
At every stage of his career and life, David has embodied the qualities of service, leadership, and perseverance—qualities that continue to define his work and his outlook today.