Don retired as executive editor of Carolina Journal in December 2020. He joined the John Locke Foundation in late 1994, having previously written articles for Carolina Journal and participated in Locke activities. In recent years, Carrington has been CJ’s lead investigative reporter. He has produced in-depth analysis of failed economic development projects including the Global TransPark and the Randy Parton Theatre. His explanations of the illegal campaign flight programs run by former Govs. Mike Easley and Beverly Perdue helped inform criminal probes on both administrations, leading to Easley’s guilty plea to a felony campaign finance violation.

Carrington’s previous work experience in North Carolina includes economic and employment research in state government, private-sector marketing, economic development, and political consulting. He received his degree in business administration from East Carolina University and is a native of the Washington, D.C. area.