Based in Atlanta, Don has a passion for developing and identifying new development opportunities and driving strategic initiatives. Since 1971, Don has been engaged in real estate development and management operations — first for Trammell Crow in Dallas TX and moving to New Jersey in 1973, and then Atlanta in 1976. While with Trammell Crow, he served as Regional Partner, National Partner, and was a member of the Management Board.

In 1988, the opportunity came for Don and fellow partner Fred Klein to leave Trammell Crow and eventually form Childress Klein. Today, Don and Fred continue to oversee the Company, driven by the desire to build thoughtful and quality projects that give back to the community, and provide management services that are guided by delivering unsurpassed customer service.

An advocate for giving back to the community, Don is active in both local community organizations, as well as national organizations. He is an Emeritus Trustee of Trinity School in Atlanta, Board member (and past Chairman) of the Midtown Atlanta Community Improvement District, Emeritus Trustee of the Schenck School, serves on the Board of Trustees at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta and Emeritus Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Lovett School in Atlanta. He is currently an Emeritus Member of the Board of Trustees at Washington and Lee University and Past Rector of that Board.