David Bushnell, Jr., MA

Senior Consultant, DEI & Policy Analysis

A young man with dark hair styled back, smiling, wearing a blue dress shirt, a patterned tie, and a black vest, standing outdoors in an urban area with modern buildings and greenery in the background.

Overview


David (he/him/his) is a data-driven policy analyst and DEI strategist who helps organizations move beyond performative diversity initiatives to structural change grounded in evidence. With over a decade of experience in policy analysis, applied research, and equity consulting, he brings rigorous analytical skills and a deep commitment to social and economic justice to every engagement.

His approach is rooted in a simple principle: you can't address inequity without understanding its root causes. Through innovative mixed-methods research, quantitative analysis, and collaborative stakeholder engagement, David helps organizations identify systemic barriers, measure disparities with statistical precision, and design policy solutions that create lasting cultural transformation.

As a founding member of MGT Consulting's DEI practice, David developed the firm's equity analysis methodology—a data-informed investigative framework that has been applied to dozens of municipalities across the country. His work doesn't just diagnose problems; it builds the evidence base and stakeholder alignment needed for organizations to act with confidence.

Areas of Expertise

DEI Strategy & Organizational Transformation

  • Equity assessments and organizational DEI diagnostics

  • Strategic DEI planning and implementation

  • Cultural transformation beyond traditional training approaches

  • Policy and procedure analysis through equity lens

  • DEI measurement and accountability frameworks

Policy Analysis & Development

  • Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods policy analysis

  • Policy impact evaluation and recommendations

  • Legislative and regulatory analysis

  • Public policy development and implementation

  • Risk assessment and policy option analysis

Database Management & Technical Skills

  • IBM SPSS statistical software

  • PostgreSQL database querying and management

  • Python PANDAS for data manipulation and analysis

  • SQL database design and validation

  • Advanced Excel and BASIC scripting for automation

Applied Research & Data Analysis

  • Mixed-methods research design and execution

  • Quantitative data analysis (t-tests, ANOVAs, regression analysis)

  • Qualitative data collection and thematic analysis

  • Survey design and administration

  • Statistical analysis to identify organizational disparities

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

  • Executive presentations and board communications

  • Workshop facilitation and DEI training design

  • Community engagement and listening sessions

  • Employee resource group (ERG) consultation

  • Translating complex data into actionable insights

Representative Experience


Designed and implemented innovative equity analysis methodologies for municipalities across the United States, utilizing mixed-methods research to identify statistically significant disparities in hiring, promotion, compensation, and employee experience. Equipped leadership with evidence-based recommendations that led to measurable policy changes.

Data-Driven Equity Analysis


Strategic DEI Planning

Collaborated with county and city executives to develop comprehensive DEI strategic plans that address systemic barriers and promote cultural transformation. Guided organizations beyond surface-level training programs to embed equity into organizational DNA through policy redesign, talent acquisition strategy, and accountability structures.


Quantitative Disparity Analysis

Utilized advanced statistical methods (t-tests, ANOVAs, regression analysis) to analyze workforce data for small cities and large counties, confidently identifying inequities in organizational systems. Translated findings into clear, actionable recommendations for executive leadership and boards.


Policy Research & Legislative Analysis

Conducted in-depth policy research and analysis across multiple domains, from predictive policing technology to workers' compensation law to municipal equity policies. Published thesis on data-assisted predictive policing, analyzing legal and ethical implications of emerging law enforcement technologies.


Community-Based Research

Led community engagement efforts with nonprofits, employee resource groups, and advocacy organizations to ensure DEI strategies reflect authentic community voice. Designed and implemented data collection methodologies that center the experiences of historically marginalized communities.


Revenue Impact Through DEI Excellence

As a founding member of MGT Consulting's DEI practice, developed methodologies and client delivery approaches that directly contributed to a $3 million revenue increase over three years, demonstrating the market demand for rigorous, evidence-based equity consulting.


Published Work & Leadership

Published Research


"Big Brother and His Magic 8-Ball: A Legal Analysis of the Applications of Data-Assisted Predictive Policing" (2020)

Community-Based Learning Projects

  • Homage Senior Services (Graduate Program)

  • Social Justice Fund NW (Undergraduate Program)

Student Government Leadership


Drafted legislation during graduate studies at University of Washington Bothell

Sectors Served

Municipal and county government

Nonprofit organizations

State and tribal government

Community-based organizations

Federal agencies

Public sector institutions