MVP of the Month - Lauren McDonald: A Life Built on Service
By Barbara Myers Myers Mason APR


Whether working as an EMT, serving as a state representative, volunteering on community boards, or leading relief efforts, Lauren McDonald III embodies the spirit of selflessness. A state representative for District 26 which primarily spans Forsyth County, he has spent his life serving others. 
Lauren McDonald III, a state representative for District 26 which primarily spans Forsyth County, has spent his life serving others. Whether working as an EMT, serving as a state representative, volunteering on community boards, or leading relief efforts, McDonald embodies the spirit of selflessness.

McDonald’s journey began in childhood, with parents who instilled in him the value of giving back. "They made it fun," he recalled, reminiscing about raising money for charity through little league teams. From those early lessons, his passion for service grew, taking him from volunteering in middle and high school to becoming an EMT during his college years.

A pivotal moment in McDonald’s adult life was joining Rotary International. It started with his involvement in the South Forsyth Rotary Club, but his commitment deepened as he helped launch the Lanier Forsyth chapter. Today, the club is known for its humor, camaraderie, and significant community impact.

One of McDonald’s most recent projects began after Hurricane Helene struck Georgia, North Carolina and other states in late September. The hurricane left thousands of people without power, water, internet, and other basic needs. McDonald received a call from one of his fellow state representatives who asked for help for his community.

McDonald initiated a monumental relief effort, with fellow Rotarians helping him pack a trailer and bus with food, water, and supplies. He drove to some of the hardest-hit areas skirting downed trees and power poles. “It was overwhelming,” he said, recalling the devastation in towns like Uvalda and Soperton.

His efforts evolved into something greater: a barbecue mission. McDonald and his wife, Claire, are partners in funeral homes in Cumming, Dahlonega and Cleveland. They immediately changed the message on 11 digital billboards into ones asking for hurricane relief, helping the mission become a Forsyth County community effort with Rotary at the forefront.

McDonald’s home became the heart of operations, with 12 smokers going at once, cooking over 920 donated pork shoulders in a single round. The efforts fed thousands, from families in need to National Guardsmen. “We put hot food in people’s mouths when they needed it most. It was a mission,” he reflects.

“It couldn’t have been done without every Rotary Club in Forsyth County,” he said. It was a big lift for our community with $350,000 being donated for relief efforts.”

His education prepared him for a multifaceted career. A graduate of The McCallie School in Chattanooga, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Georgia, where he was active in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. During his senior year, he pursued an EMT certification. Born into a legacy of public safety, McDonald followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather as a firefighter, dedicating 5 years to the Commerce Fire Department and 22 years to the Forsyth County Fire Department.

In addition, he earned an associate degree in mortuary science from Gupton-Jones College, starting his family’s business, McDonald and Son Funeral Home. His passion for serving others extended to his 16-year tenure as Forsyth County’s coroner, during which he became a trusted figure in times of grief and crisis.

Outside of public safety and funeral services, McDonald is a prominent community leader. He has served on the boards of organizations such as the Northeast Georgia Boy Scouts, North Georgia Red Cross, and United Way. He’s also a graduate of Leadership Forsyth, Leadership Georgia, and the Paul Coverdell Leadership Institute.

As a state representative, McDonald is beginning his fourth year as Governor Brian Kemp’s floor leader. He serves on committees for Transportation, Natural Resources, Game, Fish and Parks, Human Relations and Aging, Regulated Industries, Arts and Entertainment, and advocates for the citizens of Forsyth and Dawson counties.

Balancing his public role with family life, he and his wife of 23 years, Claire, a past president of the Rotary Club of Forsyth County, manage their funeral home business. Together they raise their three children, Wylie and Ridley, both students at The Citadel, and Hailey, a high school student who dreams of going to the Naval Academy. A proud Rotarian, McDonald credits his family and Rotary with shaping his life.

Despite his many responsibilities, McDonald remains grounded in his community, attending First Redeemer Church and enjoying hobbies like hunting and flying. Whether in the Georgia legislature, at a barbecue smoker, or in times of crisis, Lauren McDonald III continues to embody what it means to live a life of service and leadership.