Mainebiz

We wish her a fulfilling retirement and the best of luck as she pursues her new ventures! " During my tenure, I never saw Donna waver. She led the troops with resolve, certain we would get through the turmoil roiling internal opera- tions while holding steadfast in our mission to help Maine's business community by providing robust and relevant journalism. It was against that backdrop that Mainebiz launched its Women to Watch program. The editorial staff and I had hung up a year's worth of Mainebiz covers to study as a design exercise. It was startling to see a phalanx of older white men staring back, especially since there was a lot of national attention on the number of businesses now headed by women. Where were they in Maine? We convened a meeting. There was a lot of concern about whether such a program would marginalize female executives. Donna shepherded that conversation among all the Mainebiz department heads, who incidentally, were all women. It was the thoughtfulness and respect that Donna demonstrated in that process that made me realize she was an exceptional leader herself." CAROL COULTAS M AI NEB I Z EDI TOR FROM 2 0 0 8 –1 4 " I do appreciate that Donna has always been so down-to-earth, genuine and honest with us. That's hugely important in my book. I'm keenly aware of how businesses and businesspeople can sometimes distort the truth. But I've always felt that Donna will speak her mind and be sincere in what she says, and I trust her words and her good intentions." WILL HALL M AI NEB I Z DI GI TAL EDI TOR " Donna is an amazing colleague who leads with empathy. She's done it all, seen it all, and truly wants to help bring out the best in everyone. Donna celebrates even the smallest accomplish- ments with the loudest cheering — making everyone feel that they're the most important part of the team and their contributions are integral to the success of the organization. She and her 'woohoo-ing' will be missed by all!" ANDREA TETZLAFF M AI NEB I Z S ALES DI RECTOR " I was always so impressed and inspired how con- fidently Donna went to the podium at every event, whether at the Ocean Gateway or Thompson's Point in Portland or a golf club in Skowhegan or Falmouth. She stood up proud and strong, and spoke clearly and articulately about a variety of issues. She was a champion for Maine businesses large and small, and she was always so self-assured in front of so many high-profile business and governmental lead- ers. Donna slayed it at the podium every time. I found myself thinking, 'If she can do it, so can I!' I know that her future is bright as she cooks and bakes for her family and those adorable grandchil- dren who will benefit from her sage wisdom about business and life itself." NANCY MARSHALL OW NER, M ARS H ALL COM M U NI CATI ONS " She must be proud of the organization and its accom- plishments. While there are many business events to attend year in and year out, I always found it most welcoming to arrive at a Mainebiz event, and be greeted by Donna with a hug and an infectious, beaming smile." KENT PETERSON CEO, FLU I D I M AGI NG TECH NOLOGI ES Donna Brassard has been publisher of Mainebiz for more than two decades, shepherding many of the publication's changes and innovations. She retired at the end of March. Grandchildren are a major part of Donna's future.

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