Don Barney’s interest in education began in his early days in upstate New York where many of his relatives had joined the field.  But after earning a degree in Journalism from Syracuse University, and five years in the U.S. Navy, Don took a job in a leading news magazine reporting on political issues in Washington, D.C. and London, England.  After ten years, Don moved with his family to Oregon where he got involved in local city politics as a lobbyist, and then as a government consultant.

As retirement approached, Don decided it was the right time to pursue his interest in education.  He took on a volunteer position at PSU, giving lectures on “Key issues in the Portland Metro area.”  Being an active retiree, he also joined the Portland Pearl Rotary where dedication to civic volunteerism quickly won him the position of Club President.  Under Don’s leadership Pearl Rotarians sought to find an education-related project, which led them to Open Meadow.