Donald grew up in a rural North Carolina community on a family owned and operated farm.  Very early in life, Donald was involved with the family operation, which consisted of field crop production and food animal production raising hogs and cattle.

In 1986, Donald accepted a field service position with Prestage Farms Inc. in North Carolina, servicing contract turkey farms.  In 1992, Donald was promoted to Market Turkey Production Manager where he remained until his retirement in September 2020.  As a strong animal welfare advocate, Donald spent many years learning and implementing best animal husbandry and animal welfare practices.  His foundational education came from working closely with staff at NCSU Prestage Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia at Athens, Auburn University Poultry Science, as well as, many other animal production industry professionals.  Donald has completed the PAACO Animal Welfare Auditor Training Course and is a Certified PAACO Animal Welfare Auditor, along with FACTA training and certification.
After retirement, Donald founded Coastal Plains Agri-Systems to further develop humane methods of livestock production beginning with the CAS-3 Stunning Device .