From the White House to Markham: David Cusack on Logistics, Leadership & Legacy
Address from the Elipse in Washington, D.C. (2024).
“Production is a combination of strategy, logistics, and storytelling — and you need all three to get it right.”
That’s how CEO David Cusack, known as “Q” to the Markham team, describes the high-stakes world of live events. With a career that spans presidential campaigns and inaugurations, global summits, and nonprofit causes, Q has shaped Markham around a central belief: events only matter if you never forget the people behind them.
His team knows him as calm, deeply prepared, and (more often than not) already five steps ahead. But how did a policy-focused strategist from Cape Cod become one of the event world’s most trusted executive producers?
Handling an OTR for President Obama to the Lincoln Memorial (2011).
From the Campaign Trail to the Production Floor
Before Markham, Q’s path began in public service. He held various policy and operational roles in government and worked on several U.S. presidential campaigns, national conventions, international summits, and presidential inaugurations. Those early years in public service and campaigns would shape how he approached production: with discipline, intentionality, and the ability to thrive under pressure.
“I’ve always gravitated toward things that have an impact, are fast-moving, come with tight deadlines, and are under public scrutiny. Political campaigns are exactly that, and so is live event production.”
One of Q’s earliest projects with Markham was the March for Our Lives rally in Chicago, a civic gathering that brought together nearly 90,000 people in Union Park. Originally sent for a brief site visit, Q ended up staying for over five weeks, leading the local team through complex permitting, fast-changing logistics, and high-pressure on-the-ground coordination.
"It was a high-stakes, high-impact moment and it reinforced that adaptability and clear communication are everything with large scale events."
The success of that event helped solidify his role within the company and set the tone for the steady leadership he would bring to Markham in the years ahead.
A Leadership Style Grounded in People
Q’s approach to leadership is both strategic and deeply human. “Yes, production is logistics. But more than that, it’s people,” he says. “The best work happens when your team feels supported, empowered, and aligned.”
At the center of his leadership: integrity and trust. “People need to know they can rely on your word and that you’ll act ethically, even when no one is watching.” He leads with a service mindset, grounded in a commitment to a purpose greater than oneself, and values collaborative problem-solving and adaptability.
“The world is constantly changing. Leading effectively means being able to pivot quickly, learn from setbacks, and maintain composure under pressure.”
"I'm really focused on expectations, priorities, timelines. And I try to bring a level of calm and stability to situations that are usually pretty intense."
For Q, leadership isn’t just about a solid plan. It’s about creating an environment where people feel steady, seen, and respected.
Advancing President Obama’s state visit to China (2009).
Producing Globally, Listening First
Having produced events across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, Q emphasizes cultural humility. “You need to understand the context you're working in: culture, local regulations, and stakeholder dynamics. And always respect your local hosts and partners.”
He believes effective global production comes down to listening first and avoiding assumptions. “What works in one place doesn’t always translate to another. You can’t force an approach. You have to be willing to adapt.”
“The most impressive producers I know are inquisitive in unfamiliar settings. They listen first. That’s how you lead globally.”
Leading Behind the Scenes
Beyond the show itself, Q is deeply involved in Markham’s internal growth — mentoring younger staff and building scalable systems. “I like solving problems. I’m always looking at how we can make things run better not just on-site, but across the company.”
And when it comes to team development? “I want people to feel empowered. My goal is to set them up for success and always be there when they need support.”
Behind the scenes, Q is often the one quietly mapping the long game: building infrastructure, developing new systems, or securing partnerships long before they go public. But he’s also not above hauling gear or steaming flags when needed.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, Q is excited about where the industry is headed. “Clients are asking bigger questions: How do we stay relevant? How do we make this national or global? How do we actually connect better with audiences? That’s the kind of thinking I love.”
As for Markham’s future? He’s focused on scaling intentionally. “It’s about building strong systems, being smart about growth, and staying committed to the values that got us here.”
Harvard’s Blockchain Conference in Boston, MA (2022).