Dave Straley founded 3rd Creek Investments, Inc. (3CI) in 1999. He is an investment advisor representative and certified public accountant (CPA). Prior to founding 3CI, Dave worked in the public sector at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as a Foreign Service Officer. While at USAID he developed programs in land reform, infrastructure, HIV/AIDS prevention, small business development, community based land resource development, and democracy and governance. Dave also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nicaragua between 1974 and 1976, working on post earthquake reconstruction of Managua as an urban planner.

Dave's domestic experience includes 20 years in tax planning and preparation, small business consulting, and specialty work in health care accounting, and reimbursement consulting. In 2007, Dave started 3rd Creek Ventures (3CV) and 3rd Creek Foundation (3CF) with his wife Pamela, where they continue work on independent projects in business development and philanthropy.

Dave graduated from California State University at Long Beach, with a B.A. in Economics. He later received his M.A. in Economics also at California State University at Long Beach.