Meet Don, your Candidate for Mayor

Don Rooks has proudly called Owatonna home for the past 23 years. As the first in his family to attend college, Don has pursued a diverse and ambitious educational journey, earning degrees in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Organizational Leadership and Supervision, and an MBA from Minnesota State. He is currently expanding his expertise by studying Architecture. Together with his wife, Kelly—an Owatonna resident for over 27 years and long-time employee at Federated Insurance—they are raising their two children, Abigail and Donald, in the community they deeply cherish.

“I’ve called Owatonna home for over two decades, and I love this community deeply. It’s where I’ve built my career, raised my family, and invested my time and energy. Owatonna’s charm, safety, and sense of community are unmatched, and I’m committed to ensuring it remains a place we’re all proud to call home.”

Don

An Experienced Leader

Don Rooks has been a dedicated and active member of the Owatonna community for over two decades. His commitment to giving back is evident through his leadership roles as Board Chair for Kids Korner Educare, Board Treasurer for the Owatonna Basketball Association, and Board Secretary of the Owatonna Business Incubator. Don’s professional journey complements his community service, reflecting a blend of hands-on experience and leadership. From his early work in auto mechanics and as a Maintenance Mechanic at USG (US Gypsum Company) to advancing from a facilities engineer at Bosch (SPX / OTC) to his current role as Corporate Director of Environment, Health, and Safety at Daikin, Don has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead and innovate in both his career and the community.

Vision for Owatonna

As a candidate for mayor, Don Rooks is focused on planning for the steady growth of Owatonna, ensuring continuous improvement without compromising the community’s charm and safety. He believes that thoughtful development and a strong commitment to maintaining the unique character of the city are essential to its future success. Don is ready to bring his experience, dedication, and love for Owatonna to the role of mayor, working tirelessly to make the city an even better place to live, work, play, and raise a family.

Candidate with Leadership Experience

Mayoral Candidate with 28 years of Leadership Experience and Community Service.

Contact Address

PO Box 431, Owatonna, MN 55060