Don Ness currently serves as the Executive Director of the Ordean Foundation in Duluth, Minnesota. Previously, Mr. Ness served for 16 years in elected leadership, culminating in his role as Mayor of Duluth from 2008-2016.

He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota-Duluth, majoring in business administration and economics, and he earned a Masters in Management from the College of St. Scholastica.  Prior to his tenure as Mayor, he was the campaign manager for Congressman Jim Oberstar.

Mr. Ness was appointed to the board of the Great Lakes Protection Fund in September of 2017.