About Don

By Don Chadd

Learn about Don's background

Don is a very lucky man. He is married to his best friend, Bonnie. Don and Bonnie live in Rancho Santa Margarita. They have lived there for 22 years. Prior to moving to Rancho Santa Margarita, they lived in Mission Viejo. Don and Bonnie have four grown daughters. Each has successful careers. Three are married and have children. Don and Bonnie are blessed to have seven grandchildren.

Don and Bonnie were both educators for much of their lives. Don is retired from Irvine Unified School District and Bonnie is retired from Saddleback Valley Unified School District.

CAREER

Don had a wonderful 30 year career with Irvine Unified School District. He was hired by the District to teach first grade when the District was first formed in 1973. During his career with Irvine unified School District, Don taught at the elementary, middle and high school levels. He had summer school and interim principal assignments, and eventually moved to the Business Office in 1989. Don retired from the District in 2003. At that time he was Assistant Superintendent of Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance.

Don currently is the General Manager of Trabuco Canyon Water District. He has been the General Manager since January of 2005.

Don has advised the Board of Directors of Trabuco Canyon Water District that he will retire in December of 2012.

COMMUNITY

Don has a passion for serving the community in which he lives.

Don currently is the president of Santa Margarita Landscape and Recreation Corporation (SAMLARC). Encompassing almost 15,000 residences, SAMLARC is the largest homeowners association west of the Mississippi River. Don is serving his third term as president. Don has been a member of the SAMLARC Board of Directors since 2008.

Don also serves on the Board of Directors of Trabuco Highlands Community Association. Don has served on this Board of Directors for over 15 years.

Don is a water district representative to the Community Associations of Rancho.

Don was the very first Executive Director of the Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF).

When Don's daughters were younger, he coached and refereed AYSO Soccer for many years, frequently year round.

Don was instrumental in the formation of the City of Rancho Santa Margarita. His personal effort, along many who joined him, guaranteed the inclusion of the Plano Communities (Dove Canyon to Robinson Ranch) in the newly formed city. Don regularly attends council meetings in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita. He regards each member of the council as a friend.

Don was an "area liaison" in the fight against an airport at El Toro. On the wall of his office is a Commendation signed by former Orange County Supervisors, Tom Wilson and Todd Spitzer.