Don Gaines

Vice President, Finance and Treasurer, Puget Sound Energy
Bellevue, WA

Don Gaines has been a member for Washington's National Park Fund's board of directors for nearly four years, and currently serves on the executive committee. He became a board member because he believes, "...it is a responsibility of those who enjoy our parks to help maintain them for the enjoyment of others." His first experience with nature took place in the early seventies when he and a high school friend went on their first hike.

Don grew up in the shadow of Mount Rainier in Tacoma. He was drawn to the mountain, and often wondered what the world looked like from the top. In 2000, he summited Mount Rainier and was in awe of how flat the world seemed in comparison. Recently, he enjoyed the lower elevations of Mount Rainier National Park by snowshoeing up Mazama Ridge.

As a finance professional, Don frequently takes visiting out-of-state colleagues to Mount Rainier. Among his favorite places are Camp Muir, Panhandle Gap, Summerland, Panorama Point and Mt. Freemont Lookout.

Don Gaines and fiancee, Sue Heath