2025-2026 Board and Committee Assignments
Canvassing BoardCentral Florida Regional Planning Council
Economic Development Committee
Historic Preservation Commission
Lake Istokpoga Management Committee
Transportation Disadvantaged Committee
Crimestoppers
Salvation Army
South Florida State College Foundation
South Florida Water Management District
Born in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Commissioner Elwell has spent most of his life in Florida. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Accounting at Florida Atlantic University, Don has had an award-winning career in hotel management, marketing and accounting in Florida, Las Vegas and Atlanta before moving to his “new” home of Highlands County in 2002.
He has served as the director of Marketing & Communications for the Alan Jay Automotive Network for over 15 years, and was previously elected Highlands County commissioner in 2010. After leaving office in 2020 to pursue the position of Clerk of Courts, Commissioner Elwell was returned to office during the election in August 2022.
Commissioner Elwell has immersed himself in his community, serving on dozens of boards and committees. Currently, he serves on the boards of the Salvation Army of Highlands County, the United Way of Central Florida, Heartland Crimestoppers and the South Florida State College Foundation, among others. He also volunteers at dozens of community events annually, cherishing the opportunity to make a positive difference in the community he loves so much. Additionally, Commissioner Elwell works hard to maintain a very active social media presence, utilizing various platforms to reach out to his constituents and communicate important information.
Commissioner Elwell has been honored as “Citizen of the Year” twice, “Volunteer of the Year,” “Best Master of Ceremonies,” and “Florida’s Best Local Elected Official,” among other recognitions. He has also earned the designations of Certified County Commissioner and Advanced County Commissioner. In 2022, he was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the statewide Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged.
Commissioner Elwell has been married to his lovely wife, Sheri, for over 15 years, and they are blessed with seven children between them along with 14 (and counting) grandchildren. When not hosting family for an event at home, he loves to travel with Sheri, watch live entertainment, and cook for family and friends. An amateur pizzaiolo, he truly enjoys trying to master various pizza recipes and cooking styles.