Biography for Don Black
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Family/Home: Hello friends. I am the father of 4 grown-up children and 14 grandchildren. Clair and I have been married 42 years, and live in rural Shelbyville.
Career: After 35 years of employment at Steelcase Inc. I retired in 2001. In 1992 I began my public service; as Wayland Township Supervisor, 4 years, Allegan County Planning Commission, 13 years, Michigan Association of Counties Director, 6 years, and currently a member of the Allegan County Board Commission, 8 years.
Education: My studies, college classes, seminars, etc. have been targeted around my career and passions. To this date and continuing, I have spent 20 years studying personalities, leadership, communications, learning styles, and processes. I believe that it was John C. Maxwell who said that you can solve any problem if you have the right process.
Quotes: John Battey, my manager said, with a smile, in regards to my project management style, “Don you sure do know how to grease the skids”. Rick Robrahn, my plant manager frequently said, “Don, you are a student of life”! Three quotes that I live by are posted over my desk; one is, “Everyone hears only what he understands”, Goethe.
Challenges: In August 2006 I experienced a stroke. In 1984 I was demoted. In 2001 I lost an election. I give thanks to God for Adversity in my life. Adversity has taught me some of his most valuable lessons.
Attitude: My life is a positive, rich journey. I do give thanks to God for all of His Blessings on my life, all His rewards and all His challenges.