Shawn O'Donnell Sr., a dedicated Rotarian since 1993, has been selected as Rotary District 5050’s Governor for 2027-2028. With a history of service, including terms as Everett-Port Gardner Rotary Club President and Assistant Governor, Shawn has been active in training and committee roles across the district. He and his family, who manage their restaurant group in Washington and Montana, have been involved in numerous community projects and hosted Rotary events. A longtime wrestling official and avid mountain biker, Shawn is also recognized as Mukilteo’s 2024 Citizen of the Year. Shawn and his wife Tina reside in Mukilteo.
Shawn O’Donnell Sr. joined the Everett-Port Gardner Rotary Club at the invitation of long-time Rotarian Steve Chittenden in 1993. Shawn found Rotary rewarding and the perfect avenue of service for him, his family and his business. Shawn served as his Club’s President in 2000-01 and then three years as Assistant Governor starting in 2018. Over the years he stayed active becoming a Rotary Learning Institute facilitator, a PETS training facilitator, a member on the District Conference Committee and the District Membership Committee. His family has enjoyed hosting a Rotary foreign exchange student from Brazil and several GSE team members. In 2016 he transferred to the South Everett-Mukilteo Rotary Club where he has served on various committees and boards. He has also served the community as a high school wrestling official for 30 plus years and has refereed several state championship tournaments. In 2010 he was named wrestling Official of the Year. He was also named “Citizen of the Year” by the Kiwanis of Mukilteo for 2024.
Shawn and Tina O’Donnell were high school sweethearts and married in 1979. They have two children, Shawn Jr. (Molly) and Sophie (Joel) and six grandchildren, Joel Jr., Lillian, Marie, Shawn III, Grace and Bridget. Shawn’s wife, children and their spouses all work managing the family’s business. Joel is the Sargent at Arms in the South Everett Club. Shawn’s sister Carrie Radcliff is the club’s president for 2024-25.
Shawn and family own a restaurant group, Shawn O'Donnell’s American Grill and Irish Pub with six locations in Washington State and Montana. The restaurants proudly host the South Everett-Mukilteo, Mill Creek, La Conner and Spokane-South Rotary Clubs.
Shawn is a two-time Ironman triathlete, having done Ironman Canada and Ironman Coeur ‘d Alene as well as many shorter distances. He is now mainly a mountain biker, usually getting out a time or two each week. He has ridden trails from Everett to Spokane, the Oregon Outback trail and other weeklong trips along the Continental Divide trail in Montana.
Long-time Rotarians may remember former District Governor JB Switzer’s District Conference in 1999 when Shawn was the main magical entertainer at a magic themed conference. Another fun hobby he has enjoyed over the years.
Shawn was born in Seattle and grew up in Mountlake Terrace Washington.