David McRoberts, CPP

Principal Advisor, Justice Systems, Operations & Public Safety Infrastructure

LOCATION: Ebensburg, PA

A man wearing a black shirt against a maroon background, smiling with black frame glasses.

Six children and a black dog pose together outdoors on a deck with trees and open space in the background.

Some of my favorite moments are spent with my six grandchildren and Keni, our family dog — they keep life fun, busy, and rewarding.

Three law enforcement training professionals pose at an ILEETA conference event.

Being a charter member and advisory board member of the International Law Enforcement Educators & Trainers Association (ILEETA) has allowed me to connect with and learn from some of the best law enforcement and corrections trainers in the world.

Dave McRoberts delivers a training presentation in a classroom setting, standing beside a projection screen.

Training is a passion of mine because it allows lessons learned from the past to be shared with those shaping the future.

Dave McRoberts shakes hands with a colleague on his final day of service as captain/detention division commander.

This photo was taken on my last day of active service as Captain and Detentions Division Commander of the second-largest county jail operation in Wisconsin.

Stage performer takes center stage during a theatrical production with dancers and live musicians.

Our son is an immensely talented and accomplished stage and screen actor, and watching him perform is a source of great pride for our family.

Family members pose together before a race while wearing event bibs and athletic apparel.

Health, fitness, and family have always gone hand in hand for us, and those values continue to shape our lives today.

A Conversation With David:

What motivated you to continue serving the justice and public safety community through consulting and advisory work?

What does a typical day look like working within justice facility design and security planning?

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Tell us about an educational or professional success story that you’re proud of.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

What are your favorite hobbies or your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

What motivated you to continue serving the justice and public safety community through consulting and advisory work?

I spent more than 30 years in law enforcement and corrections, so I’ve seen firsthand what works, what doesn’t, and how much facility design affects the people who work and live there every day. After retiring, I was invited to join the same firm that had designed many of the facilities I once oversaw. It was an opportunity to bring my client-side experience into the planning and design process, and it felt like a natural next step.

Having been the client myself, I understand the challenges facility leaders face because I’ve faced many of them, too. That experience helps me ask the right questions, offer practical guidance, and make sure operational needs are considered from the very beginning.

I’ve always believed the best projects are built on relationships. I enjoy working alongside clients, sharing what I’ve learned throughout my career, and staying involved beyond the design process to help them get the most out of their facilities.

Today, that same passion continues in my role at GFT. What keeps me motivated is knowing that our work helps create safer, more effective environments and makes a positive difference in the communities we serve.

What does a typical day look like working within justice facility design and security planning?

No two days are the same. One day I might be meeting with a client to talk through operational challenges, and the next I’m working with our design teams to make sure those real-world needs are reflected in the facility. I also work to help clients understand how operational planning and design work together to create safer, more effective environments.

The best part of my job is bringing together my experience in corrections with our team’s design expertise to help clients find solutions that work well long after a project is complete.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Two things stand out. First, remain self-aware — never pretend to know something you don’t or claim you can do something you can’t. That kind of pretense can have serious consequences.

Second, deliver difficult or bad news quickly and directly. Timely communication is critical because difficult news often signals a crisis or significant financial impact.

“Dave’s impact extends far beyond individual projects; he is a mentor, a leader, and a steady voice of experience. His dedication to improving public safety and helping facilities operate safely and effectively is evident in everything he does and continues to elevate our work.”

Thomas Pilson
Principal, Justice Market Leader

Tell us about an educational or professional success story that you’re proud of.

I’ve been fortunate to write industry publications, such as Correctional News, and develop training and educational webinars for law enforcement, corrections, and public safety professionals across the nation and overseas.

Webcast

Programming Corrections Facilities: From Operations to Design

Office team meeting around a conference table with laptops and documents, collaborating in a modern glass-walled workspace.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

My father played football in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers in the 1940s. Additionally, my son is a professional stage and screen actor based in New York City.

What are your favorite hobbies or your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

I enjoy reading and writing — it’s a gift I’ve been given and continue to develop.

Additionally, my family and I lead an active lifestyle, and I’ve been a dedicated weight-training athlete for decades, maintaining that discipline daily.

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This Employee Spotlight was originally published on July 9, 2026.