Lieutenant Colonel Donovan is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC and graduated in May 1993 with a degree in Political Science. He was commissioned via the Platoon Leaders Class in May 1993 and completed The Basic School in April 1994.
Following his completion of the Basic Logistics Officer Course in July 1994, he was assigned to 1st Force Service Support Group and served with 1st Landing Support Battalion, 1st Maintenance Battalion and MEU Service Support Group-15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit(SOC). During this period he participated in multiple bi-lateral exercises throughout the Pacific, Middle East, and Africa.
In December 1997, Captain Donovan reported to Marine Corps Base Quantico as the Head, Support Branch, and Facilities Division. He served in this capacity until January 2000 when he was selected as a Legislative Fellow.
In January 2000, he reported to the Office of Legislative Affairs, HQMC and was selected by U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama to serve as his fellow. He remained in this position until August 2001. From August 2001 to July 2002, he served as the Staff Secretary to the Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, HQMC. During his tour in the National Capital Region he graduated from George Washington University with a Master of Business Administration degree.
In August of 2002, he reported to 2d Marine Division and was assigned as the Commanding Officer, Truck Company, HQBN. He was promoted to Major in May 2003. In August 2003, he was reassigned as the S4 Officer, 6th Marine Regiment and also served for a period as the Headquarters Company Commander. He deployed to Afghanistan with the Regimental Headquarters which stood-up Regional Command-East.
He attended Marine Corps Command and Staff College from August 2005 to June 2006 and then was assigned to Strike Force NATO, Naples, Italy as the Amphibious Logistics Planner. During this tour he deployed to Afghanistan with ISAF. He was promoted to his current rank in February 2009. From July 2009 to May 2012 he served as the Assistant Branch Head for Program Assessment, Programs and Resources Department, HQMC. He assumed command of CLB-11 in July 2012.
Lieutenant Colonel Donovan's personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. He has attended the Joint Forces Staff College and is a Joint Qualified Officer.