"What drew me here then is what keeps me here now: the small-town feel, the strong sense of community, and the simple joy of raising a family by the beach."

Decades on the Island,
Dedicated to Its Future

Family & Life on the Island
A place to grow, a family to cherish

David married Denise in 1997, a Sullivan’s Island native and retired Charleston County teacher. Together, they raised their daughter Emma, who attended Sullivan’s Island Elementary, Wando High, and graduated from Clemson University in Electrical Engineering. For David, Isle of Palms has always been about family, faith, and the kind of tight-knit, small-town spirit that makes neighbors feel like lifelong friends.

Rooted in Isle of Palms
From 1981 to today: A lifetime on the island

David first came to Isle of Palms in 1981 as a student engineer working at the Charleston Naval Shipyard. Though he split his time between the island and Tennessee until graduation, the community left a lasting impression. By 1988, he was back for good—buying his first home on Cameron Boulevard in 1990, where he and his wife Denise still live today.

Professional Experience
A career built on solving problems

David spent nearly four decades in engineering, starting as a student engineer at the Charleston Naval Shipyard and retiring in 2019 as Lead Systems Engineer for the Data Science and Analytics Department at Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic. His work has always centered around problem-solving, evaluating solutions, and leading technical efforts—skills he brings to public service with a data-driven mindset.

Career highlights:

Electronics Engineer at Charleston Naval Shipyard (1981–1992)
Lead Systems Engineer at Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic (1992–2019)
Managed multi-million-dollar design, production, and support projects for Navy intelligence systems.
Served as Chief Engineer on a major acquisition program, overseeing long-range multi-year budgets.
Developed and evaluated government contracts and proposals.
Supervised and mentored teams of 25–30 engineers and project managers.
Retired in 2019 after a 38-year federal service career in engineering and data science

Meet David Cohen

40+ years on Isle of Palms | Dedicated neighbor, problem-solver, and community advocate

To my friends and neighbors,
Isle of Palms has been my home for more than four decades. I first arrived here in October of 1981 for an internship at the Charleston Naval Shipyard. I split time between the island and school in Tennessee until 1986, but the pull of this community never let me go. By 1988 I was back here full-time, and in 1990, I bought the house on Cameron Boulevard where my wife Denise and I still live today.

What drew me here then is what keeps me here now: Isle of Palms’ small-town feel, its spirit of community, and the fact that it’s a truly special place to raise a family. I’ve seen this island through good times and challenges—like standing shoulder to shoulder with neighbors during the recovery from Hurricane Hugo—and I remain committed to keeping that sense of resilience and togetherness alive.
Professionally, I’ve spent my career solving problems, evaluating solutions, and leading technical teams. After earning my degree in Electrical Engineering from Tennessee Tech, I worked as an electronics engineer at the Naval Shipyard, later transferring to the Space and Naval Warfare Center Atlantic, and eventually retiring in 2019 as Lead Systems Engineer for the Data Science and Analytics Department at the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic. I bring that same data-driven, solutions-focused mindset to public service.
Over the years, I’ve served on the Isle of Palms Planning Commission (2009–2014, and again since 2021), and on the Board of Trustees at First United Methodist Church. Denise, who grew up on Sullivan’s Island and taught for Charleston County Schools, and I have raised our daughter Emma here—she went from Sullivan’s Island Elementary to Clemson, where she also became an engineer. Like so many families, we’ve built our lives here around the values that make Isle of Palms unique.
That’s why I’m running for City Council. While I’ve valued my time on the Planning Commission, I believe I can make an even greater impact as part of council. My priorities are clear: protect the quality of life for residents while recognizing that tourism—done responsibly—is an important part of what sustains our community and amenities. I don’t want Isle of Palms to become just another suburb of Charleston. I want it to remain the close-knit, welcoming island that drew me here in 1981.
I look forward to listening to you, working alongside you, and earning your trust and support. Together, we can make sure Isle of Palms remains a place we are proud to call home. I would be honored to receive your support on November 4th.

Your Neighbor,
David Cohen

Experience in Numbers

A quick look at the years, service, and values that shape David’s story on Isle of Palms.

40+

Years on Isle of Palms

Living, working, and raising a family here since 1981; full-time since 1988, homeowner since 1990.

15+

Years of Public Service

Serving on the Isle of Palms Planning Commission, including multiple updates to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and volunteering in hurricane relief efforts.

38 Years of Engineering & Federal Leadership

Problem-solver and data-driven leader with the U.S. Department of Defense. Managed multi-million-dollar Navy intelligence projects, led engineering teams of 25–30, and retired as Lead Systems Engineer in Data Science & Analytics.

1 Community Vision for Isle of Palms

Protecting residential quality of life while supporting responsible tourism and preserving the island’s small-town spirit.

Service to the Community

David’s passion for service extends beyond titles. He’s always been the kind of neighbor willing to step up when the island needs it most.

Planning Commission

Served from 2009–2014, and again from 2021–present

David has spent more than 15 years on the Isle of Palms Planning Commission, helping guide the island through growth, zoning, and long-term planning decisions. He has participated in multiple reviews and updates of the city’s Comprehensive Plan, always focused on balancing resident needs with the realities of tourism and development. His approach has been steady, thoughtful, and grounded in data, ensuring decisions serve the best interests of the island community.

Hurricane Hugo relief

Volunteered during the island’s recovery efforts in 1989

When Hurricane Hugo devastated the island, David was among the many residents who rolled up their sleeves to help neighbors rebuild. Recruited into the relief efforts by his sister-in-law, then a City Council member, David witnessed firsthand the resilience of Isle of Palms and the importance of strong leadership during crises. That experience shaped his lifelong commitment to service and to protecting the island for future generations.

Faith community

Member of First United Methodist Church since 1997; served on the Board of Trustees

For nearly three decades, David and his family have been part of the First United Methodist Church, where they found both spiritual grounding and a strong sense of fellowship. From 2021–2024, he served on the Board of Trustees, helping oversee the stewardship of the church’s property and resources. His faith community has been a constant source of inspiration and service, reinforcing his dedication to neighborly care and responsibility.