About David
David Magee is an inspirational speaker, bestselling author, podcast host, and changemaker whose work centers on student, family, and community well-being.
He is the author of the award-winning Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love and Loss — a Publisher’s Weekly national bestseller, a Best Book of the South 2021 (Reckon), and recipient of a Starred Review from Kirkus Reviews. Dear William is currently in film development with director Andrew Hyatt (The Blind; Sight), extending its powerful message of hope and healing to new audiences.
A sought-after speaker for schools, universities, communities, and companies nationwide, David addresses the topics of mental health, addiction, resilience, and rediscovering joy and purpose. His message resonates deeply because it’s both raw and relatable — offering audiences inspiration grounded in lived experience.
David was involved in creating the William Magee Institute for Student Wellbeing at the University of Mississippi, named after his late son William, who died of an accidental drug overdose. He also helped establish the William Magee Center for AOD and Wellness Education, which provides alcohol and drug education and support for students on campus.
As founder and CEO of The Magee Foundation, David leads initiatives focused on opioid abatement, mental health recovery, and storytelling as a tool for healing. Through partnerships with schools, communities, and national leaders, the Foundation’s mission is simple and profound: help students and families flourish. He also leads The David Magee Co. which leads positive change through premium storytelling.
Before dedicating his career to wellbeing and recovery, David was a daily newspaper publisher, media company president, and award-winning columnist (Newsweek and daily newspapers.) He’s been a small business owner, a regular guest on CNBC, and host of The David Magee Show, a national cable TV and radio program.
David is the author of more than a dozen books, including How Toyota Became #1 (Penguin), named a Top 10 Business Book of the Year by the American Library Association; The Education of Mr. Mayfield, a Best Book of the South (2009); The John Deere Way (Wiley); and Playing to Win: Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys.
You can even find David featured prominently on multiple History Channel episodes, explaining America's history with inventing charcoal and the outdoor barbecue and the surprising history of rental cars and the country's role.
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David and his wife, Kent, live in Oxford, Mississippi. They have six grandchildren.
“David Magee connects with parents and students on the topic of substance misuse and personal responsibility like few people I have witnessed. He started a movement … and he hasn’t let up since—inspiring students and parents as a speaker and starting a university wellness center. His voice resonates with vulnerability and common sense, with a story every parent and every student can benefit from.”
—Dr. Brandi Hephner LaBanc, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, University of Massachusetts