The Coalition is sad to report that our advisor and friend, Don Hellmann, passed away on October 17, 2024.

Photo of Don Hellmann
Don Hellmann

August 16, 1953 — October 17, 2024

Don Hellmann was the former Assistant Director for Legislative and Congressional Affairs for the National Park Service. He retired in early 2017 after a 40-year career working with Congress, including 22 years with the National Park Service.

During his time at the National Park Service, which began in 1994, he was responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing the agency’s legislative affairs program. After retiring, Don joined the Coalition and served as a member of the Executive Council and, most recently, Vice Chair. His leadership and commitment to the organization’s mission were invaluable. He will be deeply missed.

Before his role at the National Park Service, Don was Vice President for Conservation at The Wilderness Society. He directed the conservation advocacy program before Congress and coordinated the organization’s litigation agenda there. Before that, he served as Legislative Counsel for the society, joining its staff in 1988. Don’s earlier experience includes working on Capitol Hill for Senator Walter D. Huddleston (D-KY) from 1977 to 1985 and Rep. Tony Coelho (D-CA) from 1985 to 1988. Don earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and was a District of Columbia Bar member.

Messages of condolence can be addressed to Mary Hellmann, C-79, 2625 East Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared using the form below.


Tributes and remembrance of Don:

  • Click here to view Don’s Memorial Service, held on November 21, 2024.
  • You were the best Don. Thanks for your mentoring, accomplishments, and gift of service to parks and programs. We stood on your shoulders then and now. – Mike Reynolds
  • I will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to work for and with Don, then to become lifelong friends. His patience, his ability to listen along with his extraordinary ability to work with everyone are only a few things I remember about Don. I will miss you my friend, rest in peace it’s well deserved. – Darlene Koontz
  • The National Park Service lost a great champion. So glad that I had the opportunity to work with Don. – Howard Miller

  • Sad about Don Hellmann’s passing. Outstanding NPS professional and a person of great integrity.
    He leaves a lasting legacy in legislative affairs, policy formulation and the shaping our our National Park System. – Keith B. Dunbar

  • I worked closely with Don while I was Director. We traveled together to the Hill countless times, and he was always prepared, getting me ready for meetings, hearing, getting yelled at, negotiating, apologizing, or just saying hello to a member. He knew the workings of Congress inside and out, and steered the NPS through. He has many legislative accomplishments, including Title 54, and the Centennial Act, among many. He was wise counsel in challenging times. – Jon Jarvis

  • I first met Don when he worked for Tony Coelho. Throughout his career both on Capitol Hill and at NPS, he was always helpful offering sage advice and thoughtful responses. I will miss him. – Lori Sonken