Who is David Fluellen ?

David Fluellen is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Urban Family Development Center (Urban FDC), a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening fathers, empowering families, and building healthier communities throughout Ohio. With more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, fatherhood advocacy, maternal and infant health, and community development, David has become a trusted leader in advancing innovative solutions that improve outcomes for children and families.

Since founding Urban FDC in 2013, David has led the organization from a neighborhood-based nonprofit on Columbus’ Near East Side into a respected statewide organization serving families across Franklin, Montgomery, Mahoning, and Licking counties. Following the organization’s expansion into Dayton in 2022, Urban FDC continued its growth into Youngstown and Newark in 2025, expanding access to evidence-informed fatherhood and family strengthening programs across Ohio.

David is the creator of Dads2B, Urban FDC’s father-focused prenatal education initiative, and is widely recognized for advancing the role fathers play in improving maternal health, reducing infant mortality, and strengthening families. He also serves as a member of the Columbus Division of Police Chief’s Advisory Panel and as a Central Region Leader with the Ohio Collaborative to Prevent Infant Mortality (OCPIM), working alongside healthcare leaders, public agencies, and community organizations to improve outcomes for Ohio families.

A respected speaker, collaborator, and community leader, David continues to bring together healthcare systems, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, faith leaders, employers, and community advocates to build stronger fathers, healthier families, and more vibrant communities. He also serves as First Assistant Pastor of Greater Bethlehem Temple Apostolic Church and is the founder of the Ohio Fatherhood & Infant Vitality Summit, a statewide initiative advancing father engagement as a key strategy for improving maternal and infant health.

David’s leadership is guided by one simple belief:

“Strong fathers build strong families. Strong families build thriving communities.”