Donald “Jeff” Ireland, 1976
B.A., Denison University
J.D., University of Dayton
Managing Partner (retired)
Faruki PLL
Charlotte, N.C.
In 2021, Ireland was nominated as a Dayton Daily News “community gem.” Now retired, Ireland’s lifetime of extensive professional, philanthropic, and cultural achievements continues to help his former Ohio community shine.
Ireland was a leading trial lawyer with more than 40 years of litigation experience, a successful law firm, and a roster of cases that made national news and often decided the outcomes of household-name companies. Specializing in antitrust, trade secrets, and product liability, Ireland was consistently named as one of America’s best lawyers and served as president of the Dayton Bar Association and its foundation. He has received honors for distinguished legal service from the University of Dayton School of Law and many other career awards and accolades.
Ireland served for a decade as mayor of his hometown of Oakwood, Ohio, a Dayton suburb. He was elected at 29, making him the youngest mayor in Ohio at the time.
Through his leadership on the boards of organizations such as The Salvation Army, Planned Parenthood, and the Dayton Opera; his work with legal aid organizations; and his fundraising, Ireland has made a tremendous impact throughout Ohio and beyond.
As chair of The Salvation Army’s advisory board, he helped raise millions to build Dayton’s Kroc Center. He was also instrumental in bringing the Levitt Pavilion to the city and securing its construction and funding. The nonprofit venue is part of a nationwide program that provides free music to underrepresented areas, while promoting diversity and generating economic development.
Ireland continues to impact his Denison community through his generous support of the university’s Annual Fund and his years of volunteerism, alumni leadership, and mentoring.
Ireland and his wife, Ellen, moved recently to Charlotte, N.C., where they relocated to be closer to their children and grandchildren.