Don Gaetz was born in Rugby, North Dakota. He earned a bachelor's degree in religion and political science from Concordia University in 1971 and a Master's of Public Administration (MPA) from Troy State University in 1999. His professional experience includes co-founding the VITAS Healthcare Corporation and serving as its vice chair from 1984 to 2004. Gaetz served as Town Chair of Seaside, Florida from 1990 to 1991, a member of the Okaloosa School Board from 1994 to 2000, and Superintendent of the Okaloosa County School District from 2000 to 2006.
