David Mitchell is the chair of Toronto Community Housing's board of directors. Having been raised in social housing in the Lawrence Heights neighbourhood of Toronto, David has an excellent understanding of issues that affect residents of Toronto Community Housing. David brings to the board almost two decades of experience in Ontario's criminal justice system working for the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

David began his career in the Ontario Public Service in 1990 as a Correctional Officer at the Toronto Jail. He has worked at the corrections ministry's head office, the Central East Correctional Centre, the Central North Correctional Centre and the Toronto East Detention Centre. He has held progressively responsible positions, including Sergeant, Captain, Assistant Anti-Racism Coordinator, Contract Compliance Monitor and Deputy Superintendent. In September 2007 the Commissioner of Corrections appointed David as the founding head of the Corrections Criminal Intelligence Unit. In May 2009, David was promoted to the rank of Superintendent and assigned to the Mimico Correctional Centre.

David founded the Association of Black Law Enforcers in 1992 and served as its first president. Through the association, he has done extensive grassroots advocacy work with at-risk youth in Toronto. He has also helped the homeless and the socially isolated as a volunteer with the Out of the Cold program. David is well-known in the law enforcement profession and has long been committed to relationship building, preventative programming and youth mentoring to help create and maintain safe communities. In recognition of his significant contributions to local, national and international community and criminal justice organizations, Mr. Mitchell received an award of excellence in criminal justice from the Government of Jamaica in 2008.

Over the years, David has had the distinction of speaking to large audiences in the United States, United Kingdom, Jamaica and South Africa on community relations and community safety matters. In 2009, David received the Ovation Award for innovative excellence in custodial gang management from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. He was also reappointed as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Toronto Community Housing Corporation in December 2009.