Don Ashton

Don Ashton brings a broad range of public sector experience spanning 30 years in large and small counties, approximately 20 of which were in executive management-level positions.  His career includes executive-level experience in human resources, finance and budget, program reviews, and audits. He served as the Director of Health and Human Services and the Chief Administrative Officer for El Dorado County. Don provides executive coaching, board governance, strategic planning, CEO evaluations, and organizational development services as well as defining roles and responsibilities for directors and executives as they interact with staff. 

Don began his career working for Los Angeles County as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist and while working for the County, he returned to college and received his master’s degree in Public Administration.  In 2011 Don relocated to El Dorado County initially as the Chief Fiscal Officer for the Sheriff’s Office. During his time in El Dorado County, he worked in the Chief Administrative Office, served as the Director of Health & Human Services for three years, and concluded his career as the Chief Administrative Officer, a position he held for 7 years.

As the Chief Administrative Officer for El Dorado County, he brought much-needed stability to the organization through the development of a working strategic plan, good governance manual, and budget policies that served as the guiding principles for the organization. These efforts resulted in significant improvements to the County’s financial position, employee morale, and partnerships with other government organizations, non-profits, and the business community. Don worked with numerous elected officials from counties, cities, fire districts, and other special districts. His collaborative approach to building relationships and trust brought people of various backgrounds and perspectives together to improve services for the County.

Don holds an MPA from California State University, Northridge.  He has served on the governing board for the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, volunteered on the board for the Boys & Girls Club, was a guest lecturer at California State University, Sacramento, and participated in a variety of other public speaking roles such as Economic Development in rural California, local government administration, federal advocacy and as the keynote speaker at events put on by the Greater Sacramento Economic Council as well as the El Dorado County Water Agency.

Outside of work, Don and his wife Anne are actively involved in their community in a variety of roles, including serving as foster parents, providing support to victims of domestic violence and disadvantaged populations, and volunteering their time to support local non-profits in their community.