Donna began her education at Harcum College majoring in Medical Technology. Upon receiving an AA degree, cum laude, she then enrolled at Villanova University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

Post graduation, Donna started as a laboratory technician in quality control at Cappel Labs, Inc. in the town of Cochranville, PA. Donna’s attention to detail was quickly recognized and she was promoted to technical buyer. In 1982 she was instrumental in establishing a new company, Jackson ImmunoResearch Laboratories, Inc., where she met and married her husband Ralph. Jackson began as a small Biotech company supplying immunological reagents for the research community. Specializing in secondary antibodies, Jackson quickly grew from five to fifty-five employees. Donna’s responsibilities ranged from “Lab Tech” to “Chief Financial Officer” of the company.

In 1986 Donna began her extensive community service with the Lion's Club International, and then assumed several leadership roles for the town of Kennett Square, PA. Donna was awarded the “Outstanding Citizen of the Year” in 1998 for Southern Chester County, PA.

In 1996 Donna started a retail women’s shoe business in Kennett Square. Partnering with her sister and employing her father, “My Sister’s Shoes” was a vibrant part of the Kennett Square business community for seven years.

n1998 Donna visited a friend and business associate who lived in the Wet Mountain Valley. It was love-at-first-sight when she saw the beautiful valley, and has never really left the area since. She purchased a 253-acre agricultural property, and in 2004 another successful business venture had begun. Donna realized her life-long dream of owning her own working horse ranch which she later named, "A Painted View Ranch."

Donna retired from Jackson ImmunoResearch Labs in the spring of 2008 so that she could concentrate fully on her working ranch, which is now considered a world-class facility.

In a short time Donna became involved in her new community of Westcliffe, CO. Her roles include; President of the Custer County Merchants and Chamber of Commerce, supporter of the FFA, member of the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club, Board of Directors for Custer County 20/20, member of the Cattlewomen’s Association, member of the High Altitude Garden Club, member of the Board of Directors and Treasurer for Custer Health!, and Co-Chair for the Economic Restructuring of the Downtown "Cliffs" District.

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