Bob grew up in the Jackson Park neighborhood and graduated from Thomas More High School and took courses at both Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.

Bob worked in the private sector for many years before getting more involved in wanting to improve his local South Side neighborhood in Burnham Park. He served on the Southside Organizing Committee board of directors engaging local residents on crime prevention, neighborhood beautification, housing redevelopment, and other quality-of-life issues.

Donovan was elected to the Milwaukee Common Council in 2000 where he focused on public safety matters. As Alderman, Bob worked with various South Side community leaders and businesses to form Operation Impact, which raised private sector dollars to help fund partnerships with the Milwaukee Police Department.

Bob and his wife Kathy live in Greenfield and have 5 grown children and 11 grandkids.

Donovan is serving his first term for the 84th district.