Don was elected Crow Wing County Attorney in 1994.  Don is a lifelong Minnesotan: a 4th generation lawyer; and a 1st generation prosecutor. His great-grandfather opened his practice in 1903 in Brainerd and a Ryan has practiced in Brainerd ever since.

Don graduated from Brainerd High School in 1979; Gustavus Adolphus College in 1983 with a B.A. in Political Science; and William Mitchell College of Law in 1988. While attending law school Don worked a variety of fulltime jobs and attended classes at night. He moved back to Brainerd after law school and joined the family law firm of Ryan, Ryan, Ruttger and Drake.

Don feels that community service/involvement is the responsibility of all citizens and he has been very active in his community by serving on numerous committees, boards, and task forces of various entities including the Jaycees, Rotary, the YMCA and his church.