Retired from the U.S. Navy after over 30 years, Don Wildsmith holds degrees from the University of Georgia, The George Washington University, and the Georgia Technical College System. While in the Navy, Don traveled extensively and was able to study, design, direct, tech, stage-manage, and/or appear in dance, stage, television, and film productions world-wide. In 2004, he served as Technical Director & Stage Manager for the University of Georgia’s Core Concert Dance Company during an extended State Department tour to the People’s Republic of China.  Don is frequently called upon as a guest lecturer and consultant to educational and Community Theater programs throughout the Southeast.

 He is a founding member of the Winder-Barrow Community Theatre and served as its President for four years.  In 2006, the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce presented him the Community Service Award for his work in bringing live theater and the performing arts to Barrow County. In April of 2007, Don was hired as Winder’s first Cultural Arts Director, where he serves as a promoter, producer, and general pitchman for all forms of art and artistic expression in Winder, Barrow County and Northeast Georgia. In addition, he also serves as the Facilities Manager for the Winder Cultural Arts Center.

A Life Member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Disabled American Veterans, and Alpha Psi Omega -The National Theater Honor Society, Don and his wife - poet, author and educator Dana Wildsmith - live on a 40+ acre family farm in Bethlehem with two generations of family, two dogs and - at last count - four cats.