Donna Hood
In 1998 Donna Hood arrived in the Wet Mountain Valley of Westcliffe, Colorado and it was love at first sight. She eventually bought a horse ranch in the valley and turned “A Painted View Ranch” into the world-class facility it is today, now celebrating almost 20 years as a successful working horse ranch and event center.
Prior to realizing this dream, Donna spent almost 35 years in the biotechnology field. Holding degrees in Medical Technology from Harcum College as well as a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Villanova, Donna enjoyed rapid advancement at Cappel Labs in Cochranville, PA and was later instrumental in establishing a new company, Jackson ImmunoResearch Laboratories in 1982. Jackson began as a small biotech company supplying immunological reagents for the research community. Specializing in secondary antibodies, Jackson grew from five to over 60 employees and is considered the leader in the field of antibody manufacturing today. Donna served in a variety of capacities at the company including Chief Financial Officer.
Donna has been active in community service since 1986. Initially joining the Kennett Square, PA Lions Club International as the first woman in the Club, she eventually served as the club’s president and was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Award. She has also taken extensive civic leadership roles including Custer County Commissioner, Corporate Board Director of the regional YMCA, President of the Wet Mountain Valley Rotary Club, President of the Custer County Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors for the Western States Cutting Horse Association, President of the Custer County Cattle Women’s Association and Assistant Governor for Rotary District 5470.
In 2018, Donna was able to fulfill another love and passion for the West by acquiring a beautiful adobe home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She was introduced to the Nokota®Horse and has since acquired 19 of these beautiful horses to become a “Preservation Breeder”.
Today Donna enjoys oil painting, music, hunting, traveling and preserving western heritage through activities of her ranch. She enjoys the nature, peace and tranquility of her Santa Fe surroundings along with her four border collies and two cats, while also remaining an active citizen in Custer County, CO.