David Via '16
Bio
B.S., Civil Engineering
Wilson, North Carolina
David Via is a licensed Professional Engineer and accomplished executive with a diverse background spanning civil engineering, military leadership, and nonprofit innovation. He currently serves as CEO of Bartlett Engineering & Surveying, PC, where he leads infrastructure development across Eastern North Carolina. David’s technical expertise includes the design and implementation of water, stormwater, and sanitary sewer systems, as well as roadways, site development plans, and erosion control strategies. Prior to becoming CEO, he served as a Project Engineer and Operations Manager, contributing to the firm’s strategic growth and project excellence.
Before transitioning to the private sector, David served with distinction as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy aboard USS BAINBRIDGE (DDG 96). Over five years of active duty, he held a range of leadership roles overseeing engineering systems, operations, safety, and personnel development. David was hand-selected for the Navy’s elite Tactical Advancements for the Next Generation (TANG) program and earned several commendations, including the Navy Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Association Leadership Award.
David is equally committed to community impact. He is Co-President and Chief Operating Officer of the Preface Project, a national nonprofit advancing childhood literacy education through student-led tutoring. Under his leadership, Preface has expanded to 15 states, completed over 2,400 tutoring hours, and impacted more than 15,000 students. He also serves on the boards of the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, Wilson Education Partnership, NC Baseball Museum, and NC State University Young Alumni Council, helping strengthen local culture, education, and professional development across North Carolina.
Named to the Young Non-Profit Professionals Network’s 30 Under 30 class of 2023, David holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering with a Minor in Naval Science from North Carolina State University. Whether in uniform, the boardroom, or the community, David brings a commitment to service, systems thinking, and mission-focused leadership to every endeavor.