Meet Don

Widely recognized in Santa Fe as a community leader, Don Wiviott has made his mark finding solutions: working his way through college as a union laborer pouring concrete, receiving a master's degree in business, pioneering the "green building" of energy efficient spaces and serving on Governor Richardson’s task force to plan for the better use of New Mexico's land and water.

Throughout his life, Don has shown that he is the leader New Mexico needs in Washington – someone who can solve problems, not just complain about them.

Successful Businessman

As a successful small businessman, Don has been creating jobs, building homes and protecting New Mexico's natural resources since he came to the state over two decades ago.

Don began his green building career in the mid-1990s when he purchased an abandoned eight-acre site in Santa Fe. Recognizing the economic potential of the area, Don overcame political hurdles to create an energy-efficient community called "The Lofts." Today, the Lofts is an integral part of the Santa Fe economy and home to over 100 businesses and residents, including numerous artists and technology companies.

In 2004, Don replicated the success of the Lofts with another landmark green project, "The Lofts at Marquez Place." Praised as a green development, this community features cisterns for water recycling and energy-efficient living and business spaces.

Don's interest in water and energy conservation was cultivated early in his professional career when he became familiar with the technology to make salt-water drinkable. He used this knowledge to start a Florida-based company that distributed a full line of desalination and clean-water products. Under Don's leadership, the business grew to service the entire Eastern Seaboard, the Gulf Coast and South America .

Community Leader

The son of two Navy veterans, Don is a proud supporter of our military men and women and an active civic organizer. When the 2007 New Mexico Legislature enacted legislation to promote clean energy, Don was a leading advocate for increased solar initiatives.

Don is a member of the Santa Fe Area Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico Green Builder's Council and the Santa Fe Alliance. He also serves as the Chairman of the Mayor's Economic Development Review Committee. Statewide, Don is an appointee to the Governor's 'Our Communities, Our Future' Task Force.

A one-time member of the Laborers International Union, Don has long been a friend to organized labor.

Husband, Father

Don's wife Kelley Owen Wiviott, 48, is a prominent Santa Fe realtor. They share their lives with two children: Jonathan Owen, age 26, and Hillary Owen, now 24 years old. The family also has a four-year-old dog named Scooter, who often joins Don when he drives his hybrid car around town.