Don began his 47-year career in the electric co-op program at Cotton Electric Cooperative. Next, he served the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives in various roles, including member services, safety, and job training programs. Don became CEO of Central Rural Electric Cooperative in 1991 and served in this capacity until 2005 when he was selected as the President/CEO of First Electric Cooperative (FECC) in Arkansas.

At FECC, he led the deployment of a fiber to the home project offering high speed internet services to FECC members. Over the years, Don served as Chairman of the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives, as well as Chairman of the Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Corporation (G&T) and the Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (statewide). Don was Chairman of the Arkansas Electric Managers Association for 16 years.

He also served on the board of the National Information Solutions Cooperative, in addition to serving on the board of the National Cooperative Services Corporation, where he became Chairman. Don also participated in the Rural Electric Management Development Council (REMDC) for decades and served a term as Chairman.