W. David Yates was born in Morton, Mississippi, and lived most of his childhood in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. He has earned a B.S. Degree in Health Care Services from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, an M.S.Degree in Hazardous Materials Management from Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, a PhD in Environmental Science from Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi and J.D. (General Law) from Birmingham School of Law. Dr. Yates served ten years in the United States Navy as a Preventive Medicine Technician. He retired from the United States Army Reserves as an Environmental Science and Preventive Medicine Officer, having attained the rank of Colonel. In his civilian career, Dr. Yates has operated his own professional consulting firm, served as the Safety and Mission Assurance Manager for Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, the Corporate Safety Director for Bodine Services of the Midwest, Decatur, Illinois, and several Safety and Security Manager positions in mining and manufacturing.

Currently he is the President and Owner of Southern Safety Solutions, LLC., a safety consulting firm located in Clanton, Alabama. He is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) with the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Dr. Yates is also a full time Faculty for Columbia Southern University in Environmental Management with an extensive knowledge and experience in hazardous materials management, safety programs management, indoor air quality, ventilation, noise, and industrial hygiene sampling and analysis.