Public Policy
PhD, Economics, Harvard University
Masters, Economics, University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Commerce, University of Saskatchewan
Summary
Don’s career has spanned the academic, government and private sectors.
From July 2017 to November 2020 Don was the Deputy Minister to the Premier, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Public Service of British Columbia.
His previous government service included positions as Secretary to Treasury Board and as Deputy Minister in the Ministries of Forests, Trade and Investment, and Education in the Saskatchewan and British Columbia governments.
From 1997 to 2001, Don worked for Weldwood of Canada, a forest products company, and was a vice president there before he returned to government service in 2001. From 2003-08 Don was the principal of Analytica Consulting, which provided advice to public and private sector clients. From 2008-2013 Don was President of the British Columbia Institute of Technology. From 2014-2017 he was President and CEO of Central 1 Credit Union.
Don has served on a number of profit and not-for-profit boards.
Dr. Wright holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan, a Masters in Economics from the University of British Columbia, and a PhD in Economics from Harvard University.
While Don stepped down from his position with the BC Government so that he would have more flexibility to spend more time with his far-flung family, he will provide advice to selected clients, teach public policy and sit on a small number of boards.