In early 2007, Don founded Fireside Partners to address emergency services in the underserved business aviation sector. Don now uses his career experience with the U.S. Air Force and NTSB to deliver emergency response services and plans for the business aviation industry. Fireside Partners responded to various aviation and corporate emergencies, accidents, and natural disasters worldwide, including Dubai, Alaska, Canada, Jamaica, Mexico, Italy, Australia, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. 2024: Nominated and selected to attend the U.S. Army War College; National Security Seminar Capstone Project. Army Senior Officers and select civilian national security professionals come together in-residence to critically examine national security issues affecting our nation. 2021: Founded Air-SOS, a Fireside Partners’ subsidiary providing emergency airlift and international repatriation services for exceptional people and their families 2018 – present: Selected as Honorary Commander for Dover Air Force Base’s 436th Mission Generation Group 2015 and 2019: Small Business Administration, State of Delaware; Veteran Owned Business of the Year, and the Small Businessperson of the Year 2007 - Present: President and CEO, Fireside Partners Inc.
• Responds to client accidents and emergencies worldwide, providing on-site expertise, specialized resources, and family assistance responders to ensure comprehensive and compassionate care • Provides emergency support to business aviation, fractional and charter operators, high-visibility clients, and private family offices 2004 – 2007: Program Director, National Transportation Safety Board Academy (now Training Center)
• Directed all daily operations and strategic planning of the NTSB Academy to educate accident investigators, disaster response professionals, and safety managers across the transportation industry 2001 - 2004: Manager - Crisis Operations, NTSB Office of Transportation Disaster Assistance:
• Responded immediately to major transportation accidents. Managed federal services and resources delivered to state and local emergency response agencies. Translated complex aviation terms into understandable verbiage for families, political officials, and members of the media.