David is one of VFOR’s co-founders and serves as VFOR’s Executive Director. A native of Waterbury and graduate of Harwood Union High School, David has been in recovery since 2007. In 2008, he began renting his own home to others in recovery, sparking a commitment that has shaped his life’s work. Recognizing the need for safe, structured, and peer-led recovery housing, he helped establish VFOR in 2013. Since then, he has played a central role in growing the organization to include 79 beds across the state by the end of 2025.

David has also been instrumental in statewide recovery initiatives. He was a founding board member of the Vermont Alliance for Recovery Residences (VTARR), which brought national certification standards to Vermont. David was also a founding board member of Step Into Action-VT, an organization that empowers Vermont community members to celebrate recovery from substance use. David served the State of Vermont as the Director of Housing Policy and Planning for the Agency of Human Services. He currently serves as Treasurer of the Recovery Partners of Vermont Board and was recently appointed to the Vermont Community Development Board, further strengthening VFOR’s voice within the housing and recovery sectors.

Through his work, David continues to be a passionate advocate for recovery and housing solutions that support individuals on their path to healing and independence.
“Being able to dedicate myself fully to VFOR’s mission is an incredible honor,” said Riegel. “Recovery is possible when people have a safe place to land, structure to grow, and a community to support them. I’m excited to build on what we’ve started and to help more Vermonters find lasting recovery.”