Don Ashton brings a broad range of public sector experience to MRG, LLC 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. He has a deep understanding of the complexities of County government and an ability to partner with stakeholders to formulate long-term visions and innovative strategies to navigate toward the desired organizational goals.
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 Clubs of America, 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.
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