During 37 years service with the US Army Corps of Engineers, Don held many of the most senior leadership positions within USACE. This has given him keen insights into federal policymaking, particularly as it relates to wetlands, permitting and federal environmental policy.

He served as Deputy Commanding General and Deputy Chief of Engineers, which made him second in command of the Corps of Engineers with more than 37,000 employees and an annual budget of more than $40 billion. As Director, Civil Works Don managed the Army’s Civil Works Program, overseeing the design, planning, building, and regulating of flood control, navigation, environmental restoration, and multi-purpose water resource projects. Prior to that, Don was Commander of the USACE Mississippi Valley Division and concurrently served as President of the Mississippi River Commission.

During his active duty service, he spent several years overseas including Deputy Chief of Staff (Engineer) of U.S. Army Europe in Germany and Senior US Engineer in Afghanistan.

In recognition of his achievements, Don was inducted into the National Academy of Construction. He is a Fellow in the American Society of Civil Engineers and Eminent Diplomate (Port Engineering), Academy of Coastal, Ocean, Port, and Navigation Engineers. He is a Founding Diplomate (Water Resources Engineer), American Academy of Water Resources Engineers.

He is also a member of the Association of the United States Army and the Society of American Military Engineers.