Profile: David Reynolds PSM
Originally written for the University of Adelaide’s 2023 Distinguished Alumni Awards
Recipient of Distinguished Alumni Award 2022, David Reynolds PSM has dedicated his career to South Australia’s prosperity and wellbeing. For the Chief Executive of the Department for Trade and Investment, it is a line of work underpinned by a sense of community.
"My parents were always involved in community initiatives and helping people – sporting clubs, school councils - and that’s what motivates me to be a public servant and really help the community too."
"For me, working in the public sector is about getting up every day and making South Australia a better place.”
After graduating with a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) from the University of Adelaide in 1992, David worked for the Federal Government in Canberra for three years before returning to his home state.
Since 1995, he has proudly served South Australia through various public sector roles for more than 25 years. Prior to his current appointment, he spent seven years as Chief Executive of the South Australian Department of Treasury and Finance, where he played a key role in influencing South Australia’s economic diversification and growth.
He has also helped shape the future of national policy through his board positions with CEDA’s National Council on Economic Policy, Infrastructure SA, and the SA Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee.
"What I’m most grateful for is the opportunity to be helpful, it’s really what drives me every day," he said. "I get to be involved in some of the most incredible decisions, which change the direction of our state, that’s what drives me and I’m really grateful for those opportunities."
David derives great satisfaction from improving the lives of South Australians and counts the real-world impact of his work, such as his involvement in the National Disability Insurance Scheme negotiations and Gonksi school funding arrangements, among his career highlights.
"I think the proudest moments of my career are actually being involved in some of the things that make a difference to people," he said.
In 2018, the Institute of Public Administration Australia awarded David the National Fellow Award for his enduring commitment to public administration, particularly his pursuit of reform and innovation. More recently, he received a Public Sector Medal in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his commitment to South Australia’s financial and economic outcomes.
For David, receiving a Distinguished Alumni Award from his alma mater is an honour. "To receive this recognition is not something that public servants seek out, but it’s really humbling to know people have recognised me in this way."