David Warren, JD

David Warren is President and CEO of Bridgeford Advisors, Co-Founder and Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company, and Co-Founder and Owner of Bridgeford Global. Through his leadership across the Bridgeford Family of Companies, David has been a driving force behind Bridgeford’s growth into South Dakota’s largest independent trust company and the expansion of its reach across the country and internationally.

A lawyer by training with more than 25 years of experience practicing law and working in the financial services industry, David has dedicated his career to serving the trust and wealth management needs of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families. He has built and cultivated long-standing relationships with attorneys, advisors, family offices, and multigenerational families, helping them navigate sophisticated trust and estate planning matters and accomplish complex planning objectives.

David also plays a significant role in Bridgeford’s strategic growth, business development, and brand development, bringing his combined legal and financial services experience to the continued evolution of the Bridgeford Family of Companies and its fiduciary solutions.

Professional Experience

Prior to establishing Bridgeford Trust Company, David practiced law with a prominent Mid-Atlantic law firm before joining the Wealth Management/Trust Department of a large regional bank as Vice President and Senior Trust Administrator. In this role, he worked extensively with affluent families and individuals on a variety of trust and fiduciary matters.

David subsequently joined Bank of New York Mellon, where he worked exclusively with ultra-high-net-worth families on sophisticated wealth management matters, including tax planning, asset protection, and legacy planning.

David also speaks throughout the country and around the world on modern and progressive U.S. trust law and has addressed numerous professional organizations and audiences. He is a past lecturer for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and a former adjunct professor at Harrisburg Area Community College, where he taught courses in the business law and paralegal programs, including Trusts and Estates and Business Law. He has also been published and quoted on a variety of trust and estate planning topics.

Awards & Recognition

David has been recognized for his leadership, professional achievements, and contributions to the business community, including:

• 2026 Miami Titan 100 Honoree — Recognized among Miami’s top CEOs and C-level executives for leadership and contributions to their organizations, industries, and communities.
• 2012 Central Penn Business Journal Forty Under 40 — Recognized for professional excellence, business success, and demonstrated leadership within his field and community.

Community & Professional Involvement

David has served in leadership roles for numerous nonprofit organizations and is active with professional and community organizations, including the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and the Key Biscayne Bar Association, as both a speaker and supporter of their events. He is also a past member of Vistage International.

Education

Suffolk University Law School
Juris Doctor

Albright College
Bachelor of Applied Science, Political Science and Government