John Donovan, National Commander
John Donovan, a service-connected disabled Navy veteran, was elected national commander for the nearly 1 million-member DAV at the organization’s 2026 national convention in Orlando. Before his advancement to national commander, Donovan served as the adjutant for the Department of Arkansas.
He has also served as the DAV National Executive Committee representative of District 21 for both Arkansas and Oklahoma from 2019 to 2021. He was elected by that body to serve on DAV’s board of directors for the same period.
After serving 24 years in the Navy, Donovan was honorably discharged in 2004. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in organizational management with a minor in organizational leadership.
During his time with DAV, Donovan has played an active role in supporting and volunteering for veterans, including yard cleanups and construction of ramps for wheelchair access. He has also participated in the DAV 5K every year since the inaugural race, works with local agencies on homeless veteran outreach, and works with local chapter food banks to assist veteran families facing food insecurity.
Donovan supports veteran suicide prevention in Arkansas by collaborating with local businesses and veterans’ groups, contributing to a notable decrease in veteran suicide rates in the state. Donovan is a DAV life member of Chapter 10 in Conway, Arkansas.