Don attended Red Deer College and the University of Alberta where he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1979. His proficiency in public accounting and auditing developed while training with Deloitte & Touche Chartered Accountants in Edmonton from 1979 to 1981. Don qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1982, as a Certified Management Accountant in 1984, and as a Certified Internal Auditor in 2004. He is currently a member of the Society of Management Accountants of Alberta, the Institute of Internal Auditors, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta. He also serves as an instructor for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta.

Don is currently the Chair of Parkland Community Living & Support Society, the Past Chair of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, and is a Board Member of the Office of the Alberta Utilities Consumer Advocate.

Don has served as the Chair of the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce, the Red Deer Regional Airport Authority, and the Leadership Centre of Central Alberta. Don is also currently a member of the Red Deer K40 Club, the Royal Canadian Legion, and the Red Deer North Progressive Conservative Association.