David Close

David Close is the Volunteer Specialist for the University of Tennessee Extension. He began his career as an instructor in forest ecology and forest ecosystems before transitioning to urban forestry, focusing on community engagement. He coordinated the Extension Master Gardener program in Virginia for 18 years and later became the volunteer engagement specialist for Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia Tech.  

After 20 years in Virginia, Close accepted the volunteer specialist role at UT-Knoxville, a new position. With nearly 30 years of experience from Illinois and Virginia, David is enhancing volunteerism through the University of Tennessee and Tennessee State University.  

Close holds degrees from the University of the Cumberlands and Southern Illinois University Carbondale and is pursuing a Ph.D. in volunteer leadership at Virginia Tech. He is also a certified practitioner using KAI. David lives in Knoxville with his wife, two of their four daughters, their granddaughter, and their dogs, Phoebe and Hazel.