Don’s career started with DuPont after graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ. His 23 years with Dupont were all associated with the textile industry including Kevlar, Tyvek, Nomex, and Lycra in a broad number of roles including Project Management, Product Management, R&D, and Manufacturing. He had the opportunity for several expatriate assignments early in his career in Europe and Asia. The last 15 years in DuPont were all associated with the Lycra business with his final role being the Global Operations Director of 15 plants around the world. This business was sold in 2004 as part of the Invista Sale to Koch Industries, where Don spent 18 months as the Director of Engineering for Invista.

After Koch, he ventured into the Lime Industry in Fort Worth, Texas. He then moved to Houston for an opportunity in a new technology start-up in the offshore oil and gas industry, followed by a global role in the specialty paper industry in Massachusetts, and then returned to the textile industry as the President and CEO of Leigh Fibers before joining Fiber Industries – now Darling Fibers.

Don gives back to the industry and community and he currently serves as the Vice Chair for the NIST MEP National Advisory Board, Chair of the Darlington County Economic Development Progress Board, Chair for the Pee Dee Heart Walk, Board Member on the Darlington County Partnership Board. He recently completed his term as the Chair of the South Carolina MEP Board.

He recently served as the Vice-Chair of The National Council of Textile Organizations, Board Member of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance and has served multiple years on the American Heart Association Heart Walk Board.

Don grew up in New Jersey, married his high school sweetheart, and has two wonderful children: A son who lives in Germantown, MD, and a daughter living in Greer, SC. Don has three grandchildren. Don enjoys woodworking, golf, and being a grandfather.