John Donnelly
John Donnelly is running for MOFD Board Division 3 in Moraga, California, an open seat. Election day is November 3, 2026.
I am asking your support to become your Moraga Orinda Fire District Board member, representing Division 3. MOFD's continued success is vital to protecting the health and well-being of our community. Its current strong position is a tribute to years of hard work in the District and our broader community. Maintaining this high level of readiness requires a continuous commitment of time, money and effort, an investment in our community’s safety that cannot be neglected. In the near term, the implementation of Zone Zero regulations statewide is still a work in progress. Once the state puts its implementation plan in place, MOFD will need to manage the transition for our area. A new fire station is needed to replace Station 41, as its current design is no longer able to fully support MOFD operations. Success depends on MOFD and our community working together in a collaborative and cost-effective manner. As a Board Member I will work to support MOFD’s engagement in these key areas.
As a 28-year resident of MOFD Division 3, I am willing and able to provide the oversight needed to assist MOFD in its next phase. I am Past President and current Treasurer of the Rotary Club of Orinda and also have been Assistant Governor for the 5 Rotary Clubs in our area.
After completing a PhD in Immunology, I worked in discovery and development of vaccines for Merck, Chiron and Novartis. Later I joined the nonprofit PATH where I directed a program to assist developing country vaccine manufacturers. Finally I served as President of the nonprofit Global Healing, which works to improve the quality of pediatric care in low-income countries.
I also am retired from 30 years’ service as a US Army Medical Service Corps officer, both Reserve and Active, with deployments to Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom 2. My final assignment before retiring was as Deputy Commanding General, 3rd Medical Deployable Support Command, Ft. Gillem, GA. Providing emergency medical transportation is a large part of MOFD’s mission and also a vital element of Army Medicine. My duties included leadership of Army medical units, including evacuation assets, at various levels of command. I believe this experience will be useful to MOFD. This military information does not imply endorsement by the Department Of War or the Department Of The Army.
As a 28-year resident of MOFD Division 3, I am willing and able to provide the oversight needed to assist MOFD in its next phase. I am Past President and current Treasurer of the Rotary Club of Orinda and also have been Assistant Governor for the 5 Rotary Clubs in our area.
After completing a PhD in Immunology, I worked in discovery and development of vaccines for Merck, Chiron and Novartis. Later I joined the nonprofit PATH where I directed a program to assist developing country vaccine manufacturers. Finally I served as President of the nonprofit Global Healing, which works to improve the quality of pediatric care in low-income countries.
I also am retired from 30 years’ service as a US Army Medical Service Corps officer, both Reserve and Active, with deployments to Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom 2. My final assignment before retiring was as Deputy Commanding General, 3rd Medical Deployable Support Command, Ft. Gillem, GA. Providing emergency medical transportation is a large part of MOFD’s mission and also a vital element of Army Medicine. My duties included leadership of Army medical units, including evacuation assets, at various levels of command. I believe this experience will be useful to MOFD. This military information does not imply endorsement by the Department Of War or the Department Of The Army.
