I’m David Morales.
My story is one of grit, integrity, and gratitude—all tenets of the American dream and the American promise.
My Journey Over the Years
1940’S—PAPA TOÑO IN THE ARMY
In the 1940s, my grandfather left Puerto Rico to serve in the 65th Infantry Regiment alongside tens of thousands of Puerto Rican men during World War II.
1947—MAMÁ AND PAPI IN PUERTO RICO
My father grew up in a house made of palm trees and a zinc roof in rural Puerto Rico.
1959—MY PARENTS IN HIGH SCHOOL
My parents met and married young in Indiana in the 1950s and began working toward the American dream. They are my role models and my heroes.
1980—KINDERGARTEN IN DORADO, PUERTO RICO
Through a series of economic hardships, our family ended up back in Puerto Rico in the late 1970s. We lived in a rural area with lots of vegetation. Although we had the bare necessities, my parents made sure we never lacked food.
1986—MY FIRST WINTER IN THE USA
My family moved from Puerto Rico to the United States in 1986, and I experienced my first winter—and snow!
1992—LYNN CLASSICAL FOOTBALL
Thanks to my parents, teachers, and my coach, I knew that education and football were my pathway out of poverty and street life. Getting into college became my obsession—a clear way to beat poverty and bring my family along with me.
1997—BOWDOIN COLLEGE GRADUATION WITH MAMÁ AND PAPI
After failing the SATs twice, Bowdoin College was the only college to give me a chance and the financial support I needed to build a future, leverage opportunities, and explore a whole new world I never knew existed.
2010—SWEARING IN AS A COMMISSIONER IN MASSACHUSETTS
Grit, resilience, and hard work enabled me to build a rewarding career in health care policy. In 2010, I was sworn in as Commissioner of Health Care Finance and Policy.
2012 - Grupo Yagua
As the former lead singer for Grupo Yagua, I sang Puerto Rican boleros and musica jibara to promote traditional Puerto Rican music. My passion for this music inspired me to become one of the foremost collectors of music from Puerto Rico.
2018—MONEY VS. VALUES
For a few years, wealth and power consumed me. I wasn’t living in alignment with my values. I wasn’t showing up for my family. In 2018, I gave up a high-paying executive position to be an all-in father, husband, son, friend, and member of my community.
2021 - Mi Familia
Today, my life revolves around family, faith, and community. I’m proud of the work I do in health care and my volunteer work to mentor young men and women to overcome poverty and build financially stable lives. But my commitment to my faith and my family will always come first.