Gregory Dono

I’m Greg Dono and I am running for the Chesapeake School Board. I grew up on Long Island, NY, where my upbringing was profoundly shaped by the guidance of my parents, who worked in public schools for over thirty years. My mother was a reading specialist and my father was a school psychologist. They instilled within me a deep respect for the transformative potential of receiving a quality education.

My journey has been diverse and full of experiences that have contributed to shaping my worldview. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Virginia Tech I followed my passion for public service and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. Following ten-years of active duty as a cobra pilot, three combat deployments, and a tour as as an instructor pilot, I transitioned to the Marine Corps Reserves. I earned my law degree from Pepperdine University and remain an active member of the California State Bar.

Shortly after law school, I played a significant role in small business as the COO of a fast food franchise group in San Diego, California. In four years we were able to turn our first small food cart into a thriving business employing over 200 people from the surrounding area.

In 2018, my family and I relocated to Chesapeake, VA, where I currently work for a major government consultancy. It was here in Chesapeake that my commitment to educational advocacy was reignited, fueled by firsthand observations of my own young children who currently attend Chesapeake Public Schools.

At the core of my candidacy, I offer an unwavering belief in the intrinsic worth of every child and their entitlement to a nurturing, equitable, and enriching educational environment. My pledge to the Chesapeake community is a steadfast dedication to excellence, inclusivity, and safety. I picture a future where these principles are a North Star, guiding every step when it comes to our children’s education.

Drawing from my military tenure, legal and business background, and an abiding sense of compassion, I offer these experiences to the Chesapeake School Board. My goal will be to ensure that every child within Chesapeake is afforded the opportunity to thrive and flourish within our educational framework.

Please join me in shaping the trajectory of our community’s public educational experience for our children.