David Lawrence Jr. retired in 1999 as publisher of The Miami Herald to work in the area of early childhood development and readiness. He chairs The Children’s Movement of Florida, aimed at making children the state’s top priority for investment. He has served on the Governor’s Children and Youth Cabinet and twice chaired the Florida Partnership for School Readiness. In 2002 and 2008 he led successful campaigns for The Children’s Trust, a dedicated source of early intervention and prevention funding for children in Miami-Dade. Additionally, he is the author of “A Dedicated Life: Journalism, Justice and a Chance for Every Child.” He and his wife Roberta have five children and seven grandchildren.

David has served the Miami Art Museum (now PAMM), United Way, the New World School of the Arts, and the Foundation for Child Development in New York – each as chair – and is a life member of the University of Florida Foundation. He also serves on the national boards of the Everglades Foundation and Americans for Immigrant Justice.