Commission Chairman Donald L. Lovette is a native of Liberty County, Georgia. He is a 1973 graduate of Bradwell Institute High School. He is also a graduate of North Georgia Technical College and honor graduate of Brewton-Parker College.
Mr. Lovette retired December 18, 2020 as the Director of Laboratory Services for Liberty Regional Medical Center, Hinesville, GA, where he worked for 45 ½ years.
In 1988, he was elected to the Liberty County Board of Education. In 2002, he was elected as Liberty County Commissioner, District 2 and served in that capacity until he decided to run for Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. In 2012, he was elected to serve as Chairman of the Liberty County Board of Commissioners and would be re-elected on two consecutive election cycles in 2016 and 2020.
In addition, he serves as a past Chairman and present member of the Board of Directors of Savannah Technical College, 1st Vice President of the Liberty County Martin Luther King Observance Committee, member and former President of the Eleven Black Men of Liberty County, board member of the Hinesville Development Authority, board member of the Liberty County Development Authority, Georgia Conference Director of the Sons of Allen of the AME Church, member of the Group Health Benefits Program Board for ACCG and is affiliated with numerous civic organizations.
Mr. Lovette is a lifelong member of the Pleasant Grove AME Church, Hinesville, where he serves as Steward Pro-Tem, Men’s Choir Director and New Member’s Class Teacher. He is also a member of a family quartet, the Gospel Cousinaires.
Mr. Lovette is the father of two biological children: April Lovette Whitaker and Aaron Lovette. He is the grandfather of seven. A long time mentor, he is also the proud father of several surrogate children.
Mr. Lovette is a history buff, especially as related to the history of African Americans in his native Liberty County. He is best known for coining the phrase “Liberty County Proud.” He is also a local playwright, having successfully established Love-It Productions, Inc. in 2007.
A few of his special honors and achievements include the AME Church Service Award, Advance County Commissioner Certification, Delta Sigma Theta Literary Award, Omega Si Phi Citizen of the Year, MLK President’s Award, Savannah Technical College Community Star Award, Honorary Doctor of Humanities Degree, Trinity Baptist Temple College of Religion and most recently the AME Guys Rock and Six Episcopal District Sons of Allen Leadership Award.
His personal motto is “by helping others, one helps himself.”