District Governor 2026-2027 Rotary District 5470

District Governor 2026–2027 • Rotary District 5470

Some people build successful businesses. Others devote themselves to serving their
communities. A rare few dedicate their lives to doing both while inspiring others
along the way. Donna L. Hood is one of those people.

Raised with a strong work ethic and an unwavering belief that leadership is measured
by service, Donna began her professional journey in the sciences. After graduating
Cum Laude from Harcum College with an Associate Degree in Medical Technology,
she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Villanova University.

In 1982, Donna helped launch Jackson ImmunoResearch Laboratories, Inc., helping
grow the company from five employees into an internationally respected
biotechnology leader while serving in positions ranging from laboratory technician to
Chief Financial Officer. Today, her husband Ralph continues to oversee the
laboratory's operations on the East Coast while Donna has devoted herself to new
chapters of leadership and service.

Following a visit to Colorado's Wet Mountain Valley, Donna and Ralph purchased
what became A Painted View Ranch. Since retiring in 2008, Donna has spent
twenty-two years building and managing the ranch into one of Colorado's premier
working horse ranches and event venues.

Her love of Western heritage led her to become a preservation breeder of the
Nokota® horse and a leader within the Nokota Horse Conservancy. As she prepared
to serve as District Governor, Donna made the heartfelt decision to donate her Nokota
horses back to the Conservancy, ensuring their valuable bloodlines would continue to
be preserved for future generations.

Recognizing the demands of leading Rotary District 5470, Donna also made the
difficult decision to place A Painted View Ranch on the market. Over the past nine
months she prepared the ranch for its next chapter, choosing to simplify her
responsibilities so she could devote her full attention, energy, and heart to serving the
clubs and communities of District 5470 during her Governor year.
Donna's Rotary journey has included service as Club President, Assistant Governor,

District Treasurer, Foundation leader, Action Plan Champion, and numerous district
leadership roles. She now has the privilege of serving as District Governor of Rotary
District 5470, where she is committed to strengthening clubs, developing leaders,
expanding Rotary's reach, telling Rotary's story, and creating lasting impact
throughout southern and western Colorado.

She represented Rotary internationally at the 2026 Rotary International Convention in
Taipei, Taiwan, where she experienced firsthand the fellowship that unites more than
one million Rotarians around the world.

Throughout every chapter of her life—from biotechnology executive, to ranch owner,
to preservation breeder, to District Governor—the common thread has remained the
same: building, preserving, and leaving every organization stronger than she found it.

Some leaders are remembered for the offices they held. Others are remembered for
the lives they touched. Donna hopes she will simply be remembered as someone who
cared deeply, led with integrity, welcomed everyone with kindness, and always tried
to leave every person, every organization, and every community just a little better
than she found it.