ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Don Hollingshead.
I Would Love to Be Your Next Laramie County Commissioner.
MY BACKGROUND AND COMMITMENT TO LARAMIE COUNTY
I am a proud native of Laramie County, where I have chosen to dedicate my personal and professional life to this thriving community. Above all, I am deeply committed to my family, with whom I treasure every moment. A devoted husband to my wonderful wife, Sue, for 35 years and a loving father to two exceptional children, Jake and Jenna, I find joy in being a father-in-law to their spouses, Briana and Thomas. My role as a grandfather, affectionately known as "Daggy," brings me immense pride as I cherish my five beautiful grandchildren, Haley, Ella, Adam, Marcus, and Sawyer. When I'm not serving the community, I indulge in my passion for woodworking, gardening, and fishing; my fondest moments are those with my family.
A CAREER OF SERVICE AND EXPERIENCE
Throughout my esteemed tenure at the Sheriff's Office, I gained a deep and comprehensive understanding of the county's structure and needs, which extended beyond law enforcement to encompass the broader dynamics of Laramie County. During this time, I had the privilege of graduating from the FBI National Academy, where I immersed myself in various courses, mainly focusing on Executive Leadership and Public Relations. This invaluable experience and training allowed me to foster strong connections with residents, elected officials from the City and County, and leaders from various county agencies.
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My interactions included collaborating with individuals such as the Laramie County Board of Commissioners, Laramie County Finance Director, Laramie County Human Resources Director, County Attorney, Director of Laramie County Emergency Management, and representatives from the City/County Health Department, to outline a few. Building close working relationships with these stakeholders, I was able to effectively and confidently navigate the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic within the Laramie County Jail, ensuring the safety of both staff and inmates with a steady hand.
MEMORABLE CONTRIBUTIONS AND VOLUNTEERISM
In January 2023, after 27 fulfilling years of service, I retired from the Sheriff's Department. However, my dedication to serving the Laramie County community persisted. I continue to actively engage in numerous volunteer positions within our communities, contributing to organizations such as Kiwanis and my church.
During my seven-year membership with Kiwanis, I was honored to serve as a board member, and my nine-year tenure with Safe Harbor Children's Advocacy Center saw me humbly hold the position of Board Chairman. I have also steadfastly devoted 25 years to serving and supporting the Special Olympics of Wyoming. Recognizing the immense value of volunteers, I firmly believe that they are the backbone of each organization, and through my decades of volunteering, I have found these experiences to be invaluable, humbling, and instrumental in nurturing my unwavering affection for Laramie County.
Pro Laramie County
Pro Fiscal Responsibility
Pro Communication
Pro Laramie County
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​Third-generation Laramie County resident, choosing this community to live and raise my family.
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Served over 27 years as a law enforcement officer protecting its citizens.
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Served on numerous community service boards for nearly 3 decades.
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Support small businesses and entrepreneurship.
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Encourage economic growth and development.
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Open, honest, and sincere approach to community issues.
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Pro Fiscal Responsibility
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Meticulously refined my budget planning recommendations allowing me to keenly identify areas of surpluses or shortfalls allowing for higher precision with corrective recommendations. Thus, allowing the better management of county resources.
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Proficiently initiated requests for proposals and meticulously evaluated bids, demonstrating a keen eye for detail and strategic decision-making. Additionally, negotiated favorable contract conditions, displaying strong negotiation skills to gain advantageous agreements.
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Worked with dozens of outside vendors to ensure compliance to contracts.
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Assisted organizations where I was a member of the board with their budgets and internal audits.
​Pro Communication
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Strive to enhance Laramie County’s economic opportunities through communication and conversation.
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Will use my FBI National Academy public relations training assuring the public is well informed on issues affecting their future.
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Engage in meaningful conversations and personalized interactions to serve the resident’s needs of Laramie County effectively.