Donald J. Odell is a dynamic and mission-driven executive with over 26 years of experience leading high-stakes programs across the federal and private sectors. Known for his principled leadership, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to service, Donald has built a distinguished career at the intersection of operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and business transformation. With a deep belief in the guiding values of “service before self” and “integrity in all we do,” he brings a balanced blend of tactical execution and visionary planning to every role he undertakes.
Donald’s professional journey is marked by a proven track record of orchestrating complex change initiatives within large-scale government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. In these roles, he led the modernization of legacy systems, directed the deployment of national disaster recovery strategies, and managed the implementation of multimillion-dollar technology programs. His leadership on the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program alone brought measurable improvements in service delivery, resulting in a 40% increase in counselor availability and a dramatic reduction in administrative burden.
An expert in business operations, procurement strategy, and analytical problem-solving, Donald has been instrumental in aligning organizational resources with long-term strategic goals. From introducing cutting-edge Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms to revamping invoice processing systems that handled over $465 million in transactions, his efforts have consistently delivered high-impact results on time and under budget. He has also served as a critical liaison between public and private sectors, forming coalitions that leveraged industry expertise to solve local challenges—such as enabling Whatcom County, WA to modernize its emergency planning systems at zero cost to taxpayers.
Donald’s international exposure stems from his distinguished military service, which included deployments and tours across the Middle East, South Korea, Japan, and Guam. These experiences provided him with a global operational perspective and a deep understanding of cross-cultural collaboration and logistics under pressure—skills that continue to inform his leadership today.
Beyond his federal service, Donald’s expertise extends into real estate, marketing, machine shop operations, and new business development, giving him a versatile skill set applicable to diverse industries. He is open to contributing to private and nonprofit boards across all verticals—with the exception of federal contracting involving U.S. Customs and Border Protection—and has no preference regarding company size or revenue. What drives him is the opportunity to serve others, share knowledge, and help organizations reach their highest potential.
Donald holds a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership from Roberts Wesleyan College and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts General Studies from Southern New Hampshire University. He also maintains a strong commitment to family and personal integrity. While he has not yet served on formal boards or committees, he is now actively seeking his first board or advisory role—where he can offer his strategic insight, operational discipline, and deeply rooted ethical foundation to businesses that are ready to evolve and thrive.
As a first-time board candidate, Donald is uniquely positioned to bring a fresh yet highly informed perspective to governance, mentorship, and strategic direction. He is not only equipped with decades of experience, but also driven by a sincere desire to help others achieve success through thoughtful, principled leadership.
Character: Donald J. Odell exemplifies unwavering integrity, service-oriented leadership, and a deep commitment to doing what is right, even in complex, high-pressure environments.
Knowledge: With over 26 years of experience, Donald brings extensive expertise in federal operations, business planning, regulatory compliance, and program modernization across multiple sectors.
Strategic: He has consistently demonstrated strategic foresight by aligning operational initiatives with long-term goals, delivering multi-million-dollar transformations that enhance organizational performance.
Communication: Donald is a clear, collaborative communicator who effectively engages stakeholders across sectors to drive consensus, build partnerships, and implement impactful solutions.
