Dave Underwood is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who has dedicated his post‑service career to helping fellow veterans successfully transition into meaningful civilian careers, locally, regionally, and across the enterprise.
In the Quad Cities, Dave is a co‑founder and active leader of the Quad Cities Veterans Network, a community‑driven organization that connects veterans with employers, mentors, and peer support. Through networking events, employer engagement, and direct advocacy, the network has become a trusted bridge between military talent and the civilian workforce, helping veterans build confidence, connections, and long‑term career momentum.
At John Deere, Dave plays a key leadership role within the John Deere Military Resource Group (MRG), supporting veterans, service members, and military families across the organization. His work focuses on fostering belonging, visibility, and opportunity while strengthening partnerships between John Deere, local communities, and veteran‑serving organizations.
Dave also leads the company’s corporate veteran hiring strategy through the John Deere Military Talent Network. In this role, he helps shape how military talent is identified, engaged, and supported, ensuring veterans are not only welcomed but positioned for long‑term success through mentorship, career readiness, and sustained engagement.
Across community leadership, employee advocacy, and enterprise talent strategy, Dave is known for his hands‑on approach, personal accountability, and unwavering commitment to service. For him, the promise he made on the yellow footprints at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, to never stop serving, continues today through his belief that veterans thrive when communities and employers invest in them with purpose and respect.
My journey has been shaped by a series of defining moments rooted in service, resilience, and continuous growth. Growing up in Eldridge, Iowa, I developed a strong sense of community and responsibility, which was further reinforced after the events of September 11, 2001, when I chose to serve in the United States Marine Corps. That experience challenged me both physically and mentally, while instilling discipline, accountability, and a lifelong commitment to service. Transitioning from military to civilian life was a pivotal milestone. Through the SkillBridge program, I gained early exposure to corporate environments, allowing me to translate my military experience into meaningful business impact. I continued that momentum by completing my degree summa cum laude and launching a career in recruiting, where I quickly discovered my passion for helping others navigate their own transitions. Co‑founding the Quad Cities Veterans Network and leading corporate veteran hiring strategy at John Deere represent the culmination of these experiences, allowing me to create opportunities, build community, and help veterans find lasting purpose beyond their service.
Dave Underwood is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Global Executive Recruitment & Governance Lead at John Deere, where he leads executive talent strategy and helps shape the company’s approach to attracting and developing top leadership talent. With more than 17 years of combined military service and recruiting experience, he is known for building high-impact, people-focused talent solutions across the enterprise.
Dave is deeply committed to supporting the veteran community. He co-founded the Quad Cities Veterans Network, connecting veterans with employers, mentors, and peer support, and plays a key leadership role in John Deere’s Military Resource Group. He also leads the John Deere Military Talent Network, driving strategy to ensure veterans are not only hired, but positioned for long-term success.
Dave’s work is grounded in service, accountability, and a steadfast belief that veterans thrive when given opportunity, support, and purpose.
