The son of Sergeant First Class Richard and Helen Wilkerson, David was born in Fort Dix, New Jersey. He gained his love of public service from his father, who after retiring from the Army started and operated the John Addison Wilkerson (JAWS) Memorial Boys Club in Virginia, named in memory of his own father.

A product of public schools, David was an Eastman Kodak Scholar and graduated summa cum laude from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University with a degree in Accounting. After graduation, David moved to Cobb County to begin his professional career at the Big 4 accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche, where he earned his CPA credentials. David is now a small business owner and works as an independent CPA. His clients have included those in the airline, financial services, restaurant, manufacturing, telecom, technology, hotel, and real estate industries.

David's work in Georgia politics spans over 20 years. He has volunteered on numerous election campaigns and served in various leadership positions within the Democratic Party.

David was a member of the State Committee for the Democratic Party of Georgia. In 2006, he was elected as Chairman of the Cobb County Democratic Party and was the first AfricanAmerican to serve in the position. For his dedicated work with the party, he received the Al Burruss Hall of Fame award.

Due to his devoted political involvement, David has been able to attend notable leadership conferences. In 2012, he was selected as the legislator to represent Georgia in the Emerging Leaders Program at the University of West Virginia. The program featured one legislator from each state. He also belonged to a select group of legislators from the House and Senate who were chosen as participants in the Georgia Legislative Leadership Institute at the University of Georgia. Both conferences focused on policy decision-making, legal ethics, and other key concepts important to the legislative process.

David's commitment to public service has continued throughout his career. His volunteer activities have included the Cobb Schools Foundation, the Floyd Middle School Foundation, the Russell Elementary School Foundation, Kennesaw State University Political Science Advisory Board, Junior Achievement, Osborne Community Coalition, Russell Elementary PTA and Dads Club, Cobb County Schools Facility and Technology Committee, and serving on local non-profit boards. The Powder Springs Task Force and the Smyrna City Council have honored him with awards and recognition for his service.

Aside from his work in politics, business, and the community, David is a husband and father. He and his wife Penny have two children and reside in Austell. Their two children attend public schools in the South Cobb area where David and Penny are active volunteers.

David and Penny served as Elders at their previous church, Calvary Presbyterian Church in Marietta. The family currently attends Macland Presbyterian Church in Powder Springs.

David enjoys a variety of sports and coaches his son's youth soccer team.