David Hoy most recently served as the senior vice 
president at GradLeaders, a Columbus, Ohio-based, 
company that provides software as a service to 
power career services and workforce development. 
Hoy, who concluded his distinguished tenure with 
his retirement in March 2026, was at the forefront 
of career service technology. His work ensured 
that students and job seekers have access to 
employment opportunities on a national scale, 
removing the geographic and logistical barriers 
that often hinder career advancement. His path 
to becoming an industry leader began at Franklin, 
rooted in a passion for technology and a practical 
education that set the stage for his future success.
FROM CAMPUS TO 
CAREER INNOVATOR
Hoy’s journey started with a bachelor’s degree 
in computer management at Franklin. Reflecting 
on his time at the University, he points to a pivotal 
influence: Professor Jeff Belfort. “He showed 
how to make a business out of technology,” 
Hoy recalls. This pragmatic approach to learning 
— understanding not just how code works, but 
how it can solve real-world business problems 
— became the cornerstone of his career. 
After starting in custom PC software development, 
Hoy joined Résumé Link in the early 1990s. 
The company grew significantly during his tenure, 
eventually employing 60 people before being sold. 
However, the road wasn’t without its bumps. 
The bursting of the dot-com bubble and the events 
of 9/11 led to the shutdown of a division he was 
helping to run. Yet, in true entrepreneurial spirit, 
Hoy viewed this obstacle as an opportunity. In 2002, 
he co-founded MBA Focus, a company that would 
eventually evolve into today’s GradLeaders.
A PHILOSOPHY OF CONNECTION
Throughout his career, Hoy’s philosophy has been 
simple but powerful: expand the scope of students’ 
reach nationally without requiring them to exert 
excessive additional effort. He recognized early 
on that while talent is universal, opportunity 
is not always evenly distributed. By developing 
student résumé databases and building 
comprehensive career service platforms, he has 
helped expand access to top-tier employers.
During his time at GradLeaders, Hoy pushed 
the envelope. The company’s mission is to provide 
solutions for institutions that want to support their 
people on their career paths. “The flexibility of our 
platform enables us to help any organization with 
a talent pool they want to assist, from higher ed to 
membership societies and workforce development,” 
Hoy explains. This commitment to service aligns 
perfectly with the values he absorbed during his 
time as a student — values centered on practical 
application and community support.
THE FUTURE OF JOB HUNTING: 
AI AND BEYOND
Under Hoy’s leadership, GradLeaders moved 
beyond the status quo and actively redefined it. 
Among his most significant initiatives was the 
integration of artificial intelligence into the platform. 
By partnering with nSpire AI, Hoy helped launch 
a virtual career coach tool named Theo.
This innovation allows students to receive AI-driven 
résumé analysis, interview preparation and skills 
assessments. It’s a game-changer for busy adult 
learners who might not have the time for traditional, 
in-person counseling sessions during business hours. 
Students can now assess their fit for various roles 
and refine their applications, ensuring they put 
their best foot forward when applying for jobs.
By combining his technical expertise with a 
genuine desire to help others succeed, Hoy created 
systems that have launched countless careers. 
Throughout his time at GradLeaders, he was 
a shining example of the impact one individual 
can have on the workforce.
Clocktower | Franklin Features
15
The flexibility of our 
platform enables us to help 
any organization 
with a talent pool 
they want to assist from 
higher ed to membership 
societies and workforce 
development.

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