David Bodary

Chair and Professor, Communication Department, Sinclair College

David Bodary a Kettering Foundation 2025 Dayton Democracy Fellow, is the chair of the Communication Department and a professor at Sinclair College. In addition to his teaching, research, and publications on communication and public speaking, Bodary has been involved in pro-democracy work for decades. He believes that the voice of community members—all community members—is essential to preserving and advancing democracy and for creating a stronger and more representative community, state, and country. Working with community college students and participating in initiatives through the National Communication Association and Central States Communication Association has deeply informed this perspective. As a speaker and the author of a textbook, Bodary emphasizes civic dialogue and invitational speaking as critical tools in helping people of all backgrounds learn to understand, respect, and learn from each other. He was an early supporter of the Dayton chapter of Kids Voting, served as vice president for program planning on the Greater Dayton League of Women Voters executive board, facilitated National Issues Forums, and supported the Democracy Commitment. For the past five years he has hosted a regular program, Empowering YOU!, on DATV that covers issues related to voting, democracy, and community from a nonpartisan perspective. Bodary also advocates for the Dayton area as a board member for Aviation Trail, a supporter of the Parachute Museum, a member of the Sinclair Foundation board, and the president of the Kettering Parks Foundation.