Dr. William D. Gibson is a transformative pioneer with a unique blend of entrepreneurial expertise, strategic planning acumen, and a passion for social impact and educational equity. As a first-generation college graduate, he views education as a catalyst for economic mobility and has dedicated over 25 years to advancing systemic change across nonprofit and private sectors.

As President and CEO of Helping Education, Gibson spearheaded literacy initiatives in underserved communities, driving innovative, community-centered solutions and positioning the organization as a leader in educational equity. His leadership, characterized by empathy, accountability, and vision, significantly expanded the organization’s reach and impact.

Previously, Gibson served as Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Partner at Seattle-based Sustineri Group, Inc., where he helped organizations design mission-aligned strategies that balanced growth and innovation. His insights empowered clients to achieve sustainable outcomes, solidifying his reputation as a trusted advisor and changemaker.

Serving as an Executive Director in the Pacific Northwest and spanning a 21-year tenure for The United Methodist Church that focused on social justice, Gibson developed and managed a $42.7 million fund that launched social enterprise, affordable housing, workforce development, elementary education support, and community development projects. This work enabled over 41 place-based nonprofits to thrive and transform communities across Alaska, small parts of Canada, and the Pacific Northwest.

An accomplished CEO and entrepreneur, Gibson spent 16 years founding and leading startups across industries. His work included helping launch a national restaurant chain, creating an apparel line, and developing innovative technology like Power Up® Trading Cards. His expertise in design and branding has helped organizations translate visions into compelling narratives, and his ventures have raised over $5 million in VC and angel funding.

Gibson is the author of Sustainable Engagement: Strategic Planning for Positive Social Change (2022) and, most recently, The Box: How the Gift of Adversity Shapes Growth, Innovation, and Transformation (forthcoming 2025), which reflect his expertise in fostering disruptive, innovative, and strategic organizations. He holds a doctorate in semiotics and future studies, focused on social and technological advancement, from George Fox University, a master’s from Duke University, focused on social entrepreneurship, and an executive certificate of specialization in entrepreneurship and innovation from Harvard Business School.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Gibson exemplifies resilience and commitment. He advises the Tombolo Institute at Bellevue College's customer experience program and the Women-Sew Global Foundation, which advance inclusive innovation and economic empowerment worldwide.

“Positive social change isn't just an ideal—it’s a necessity for building a just and thriving society. Educational equity is at the heart of this transformation.”

Writing and Speaking Examples