The founder of Lantern Light Learning, David McKee (or David F. McKee), standing in front of a pine tree and a landscaped hillside.

David began his career in marketing and graphic design. As his career progressed, he transitioned into technical field engineering and management of senior engineering teams across the country.

During his 19+ years at Apple®, Inc., David served as a senior field engineer for Apple Professional Services and managed senior technical teams responsible for extremely large Mac and iPad deployments for the biggest school districts in the United States. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the nation’s first statewide K-12 distribution of 1:1 Apple® devices for students in Maine. This successful program, the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI), ran for nearly two decades.

After nearly four decades in the technology industry, Lantern Light Learning’s founder, David McKee, retired in 2024. Since then, he has been able to pursue several of his passions: helping others with their daily use of technology, preserving vintage photos/videos, and making music.

About the founder, David F. McKee

Lantern Light Learning's founder, David F. McKee - standing in front of a large display teaching a seminar.
Lantern Light Learning's founder, David F. McKee teaching a technology class of teachers in Maine during the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) in the early 2000's.
A person holds an Apple employee ID badge with a photo of David McKee with glasses and dark hair. The badge has the Apple logo at the top and the name "David" in the center.

In addition to David’s many years at Apple, Inc., he held diverse field engineering and training roles at various organizations, including:

  • U.S. Department of Defense (as a civilian in Germany)

  • Ligonier Valley School District (Pennsylvania)

  • Management Science Associates/Westinghouse HQ (Pittsburgh)

  • AT&T (Pittsburgh)

  • Kandji, Inc. (San Diego)

Throughout his career, David prioritized fostering a “people-first” approach to managing technical teams. He dedicated many years to presenting, teaching, coaching, and mentoring a diverse range of professionals, including executives, teachers, engineers, students, and government agencies.

A vintage 1954 Chevrolet parked next to a trailer at a campground with trees and tents in the background. David McKee as a young child is in a red hoodie and near the trailer.

Why the Lantern Light Learning Name?

You may be wondering where the mysterious “Lantern Light Learning” name originated.

The classic kerosene lantern evokes fond memories of camping that David cherished as a child. Camping continues to hold a special place in the hearts of David and his family. Reflecting on those camping memories and imagining the classic family lantern evokes a sense of calm and relaxation. This feeling, coupled with the imagery of spreading knowledge and positivity, inspired the company’s name.

A closeup of David McKee as a young boy, standing next to a kerosene camp lantern, the inspiration for Lantern Light Learning's name. David is in front of a camping trailer wearing a red hoodie sweatshirt.
David McKee behind the drums, smiling during a recent performance with one of the bands he plays with.

As a retiree, when not helping people of all ages (and specifically older adults) get the most out of their Apple devices, David spends his time creating and performing music. As a drummer, he has been a performing musician for over 45 years and has toured and performed across the U.S. and Canada. He is also an accomplished songwriter and a self-proclaimed “hack guitarist and piano player.”

David plays regularly with his band in the State College, PA area - as well as providing “substitute drumming” for several bands in central PA and the Pittsburgh area. David also has many years of experience doing studio recording as well.

David, his wife, Jacqui, and their Siberian cat, Mishka, reside in State College. Their two children live in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. 

David McKee and his wife, Jacqueline (Jacqui) McKee standing outside of a restaurant in State College, PA.
A long-haired tabby colored Siberian cat sitting on a wooden surface with green leaves nearby, indoors with a blurred background. This is David and Jacqui McKee's cat, Mishka.