Donovan Mattole Recognized for Human Resources Excellence
Donovan David Mattole has been named among Marquis Who’s Who honorees, a testament to his influential career in human resources spanning over 25 years. Known for his leadership in talent management, employee engagement, and global HR strategy, Mr. Mattole currently serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, a role he has held since 2023.
In this position, Mattole oversees the entire spectrum of HR operations across Langan’s global presence, leveraging decades of experience to enhance employee culture and strategic development. His inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who reflects his significant contributions and the high regard in which he is held professionally.
A Career Spanning Global Organizations
Prior to joining Langan, Mattole was the Vice President of Human Resources for the Americas at Brenntag, the world’s largest chemical and ingredient distributor based in Germany. From 2016 to 2023, he led HR functions across 18 countries, managed $7.5 billion in revenue, and supported 7,000 employees at over 250 locations. His leadership consolidated more than two dozen payroll systems and over 50 benefit plans, introduced regional talent acquisition Centers of Excellence, and implemented innovative employee engagement strategies.
From 2010 to 2016, Mattole held several HR leadership roles at Mars, Inc., including Head of People and Organization for Mars Retail. He was instrumental in global HR operations for brands like M&M’s World stores, My M&M’s, and Ethel M Chocolates. A significant highlight of this tenure was the launch of a flagship M&M’s World store in Shanghai, China. Before Mars, he served as Senior Director of HR at Banfield Pet Hospitals, overseeing talent operations for 15,000 North American associates.
Early Career and Educational Background
Mattole’s HR journey began at Borders Books and Music, where he transitioned from general manager to regional human resources director between 1995 and 2005. He then served as director of HR at Nautilus Inc. (now BowFlex Inc.) before entering the corporate HR world.
His academic credentials are equally impressive. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College in 1994, undertook graduate studies at Jerusalem University College in 1995, and completed a second Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from George Fox University in 1998. He has since accumulated numerous certifications, including SPHR (2005), SHRM-SCP (2015), Caliper Certification (2018), and leadership credentials from Korn Ferry, The Predictive Index, and Mindful Leader.
Commitment to Professional and Community Service
Throughout his career, Mattole has demonstrated a commitment to continuous development and professional networking. He has been a member of SHRM since 2000 and joined its executive network in 2022. He also serves on the CHRO Governing Board for Evanta in New York City and is a member of CPO100, a community for HR thought leaders.
Outside of his corporate achievements, Mattole is a fervent advocate for civic engagement. He supports Hope re:news, a regenerative agriculture nonprofit in Lesvos, Greece, and serves on the boards of the Mattole Restoration Council and the Inclusive Leadership Institute at the University of Houston. He is also affiliated with the J.I. Rodale Leadership Society and the Rodale Institute.
Creative Pursuits and Personal Life
Mattole is also a writer and public speaker, currently working on two books. One is a memoir chronicling his unconventional upbringing on an off-grid organic farm in Northern California. The other, titled “The Lost Coast”, captures the stories of individuals who abandoned mainstream life in the 1960s and 1970s for an existence rooted in nature and authenticity.
Born in San Francisco, Mattole was raised in the remote wilderness of California’s Lost Coast, where his family lived in a teepee before building a log cabin. This early life experience profoundly shaped his ongoing commitment to sustainability and regenerative agriculture. He now resides in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley with his wife Emily and is the proud father of three children: Heather Hope, Tristan Sky, and Maddox Alexander.
Looking Toward the Future
As he continues his leadership at Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, Mattole aims to position the organization as a global leader in environmental consulting and a premier employer in the industry. He remains committed to advancing human resources practices in the age of AI while ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces the human dimension of the workplace.
His future endeavors will also focus on expanding his writing projects, preserving the narratives of back-to-the-land communities, and supporting international sustainability efforts such as Hope re:news. Mattole’s career embodies a unique blend of professional excellence, personal integrity, and a deep commitment to environmental and social causes.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.
