DON RAGLAND
Don Ragland grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia, and spent the early years of his adult life in the teaching and coaching world. With a BS in Mathematics and a MEd in Supervision of Instruction from Lynchburg College, he devoted the first years of his career to teaching math and coaching high school basketball, first in Lynchburg and then in Hampton, VA.
After almost a decade in the education business, Don decided to explore a second career path, building on his math expertise. Don studied accounting at Christopher Newport University and was employed by a CPA firm. After receiving his certification as a CPA, he taught accounting as an adjunct professor at CNU.
After twenty-one years {including fourteen years as a shareholder} of practicing public accounting, Don acquired an interest and became CFO of a business in the private sector which was sold a year later. Don returned to work in a position which united both strains of his experience -accounting and education- as Director of Finance for the New Horizons Regional Education Centers. It was a labor of love until his retirement in 2018.
Looking back on his life and career, Don’s passion for education, commitment to his community, and vision for the potential of people and organizations led to leadership roles on several boards including:
Virginia Society of CPAs – Chair of several committees
Oyster Point Development Corporation, Chair
Food Bank of the Virginia Peninsula, Chair
Peninsula Estate Planning Council, Chair
Peninsula Marine Institute, Chair
Rotary International, President of local club and District Treasurer
Youth Challenge
Soundscapes, Inc., Treasurer
Don and his wife, Louise, live in Newport News. They bought a house in Bath County in 2005 and have been enthusiastic supporters of Garth Newel Center for many years. Recently, Don arranged for a group of advanced Soundscapes students to spend three days in residence at Garth Newel, studying and performing with the musicians. He, Louise, and their three adult children make music a major part of their lives.
