Don Young is a founding principal and President of Chinook Coaching and Consulting Ltd. working in the areas of agricultural extension, change management, strategic planning and human resource development. Don’s passion is working with people and organizations helping them to grow and develop.

Prior to the founding of Chinook Coaching and Consulting, Don had a 36 year career with Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. His interest for agriculture extension developed while working with farmers and farm families across Alberta for 11 years. He then shared this interest moving into a staff recruitment and training role. In his 21 years as a Regional Director, he managed staff and programs in various geographic regions of the province.  During this time Don was deeply involved in strategic planning and the planning and implementation of two major restructurings within the Department in 1993/94 and 2002/ 03. During the latter part of his career Don became involved in international extension, working in projects in China and Ukraine.

Continuing education has always been a part of Don’s life. In addition to his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Don completed 5 summer sessions at Colorado State, Minnesota State and Montana State Universities, a Certificate from the Senior Executive Development Program at the University of Alberta and Strategic Management training from Stephen Haines. He is presently enrolled in a professional qualification program on Guiding Organizational Change.

Don’s community involvement includes education. He spent a two year term on the Lethbridge Community College President’s Advisory Council. Don served 6 years on the University of Lethbridge Board of Governors, including 4 years as Vice Chair. Presently Don and his wife are Honorary Co-Chairs of a major fundraising campaign for the Galt Museum in Lethbridge.

Don is a professional agrologist and member of a number of professional organizations: Alberta Institute of Agrologists, Agricultural Institute of Canada and the Canadian Society of Extension. He held many executive positions including President of the Canadian Society of Extension and served two terms as Vice President of the Agriculture Institute of Canada.

Don is eager to share his broad base of education and experience in assisting you or your organization resolve current problems and issues helping you grow and develop.

Don is currently involved in the following areas of practice:

1. Agricultural Extension
2. Change Management
3. Leadership and Human Resource Development
4. Program Planning and Development
5. Strategic Planning