[6] MacDonald served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970, including eighteen months of Vietnam War service.

[1][5] In addition to teaching social studies at Randolph Union High School, MacDonald owned and operated a working cattle farm.

[4][7] MacDonald is a member of several clubs, civic organizations, and advocacy groups, including: Orange Southwest Teachers Association; Vermont Beef Producers Association; Orange County Farm Bureau; American Legion; Vietnam Veterans of America; and Chelsea Fish and Game Club.

[1] In 1983, MacDonald was appointed to the Vermont House of Representatives to fill the vacancy caused by the death of his mother, who was serving her first term.

[1] In 1994 he was the Democratic nominee for the Orange County seat in the Vermont Senate, and was defeated by the Republican incumbent, Stephen W.