Greater New Orleans Businesswoman Maura Donahue Honored for 25 Years of Leadership, Dedication with U.S. Chamber of Commerce
First woman to serve as Board Chair concludes her service after advocating for small business and civic engagement through two terms.
Maura Donahue, Executive Vice President of DonahueFavret Contractors, Inc., has been recognized for her outstanding contributions and leadership during her extensive service in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Demonstrating exceptional leadership, she has served as Chairman of the Board twice, first in 2005-2006 and then again in 2019-2020, making her the first woman to hold this prominent position. Her commitment to the Chamber’s mission and the American business community has been evident since she first began her service in 1998.
“Maura was not only one of our most passionate advocates for small business and civic engagement during her many years of service on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, but she was also a two-time Board Chair and the first woman to ever hold that position. We are so grateful for her good counsel and expertise over the years and appreciate Maura’s unwavering commitment to the Chamber and its mission,” added Suzanne P. Clark, President of the U.S. Chamber.
Her leadership extends beyond milestones, having served twice as Board Chair during periods of great national and regional challenges, including Hurricane Katrina and the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“Maura Donahue is a seasoned business leader who has built a company from the ground up. She understands the challenges businesses face and how the Chamber can help them grow and succeed,” said Thomas J. Donohue, CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “Over the years she has tirelessly contributed her time and talents to the Chamber, and the American business community is stronger for it.”
Reflecting on her roles at the Chamber, Donahue shared, “I first joined the board way back in 1998, the same year DonahueFavret Contractors joined the Chamber. During my first term as Chairman of the Board, I focused heavily on legal reform, healthcare, and deregulation.”
“To serve in this role a second time was the ultimate compliment and a tremendous opportunity. I dedicated my experience and institutional knowledge to helping build a pipeline of volunteer leadership that I believe will serve the Chamber well for years to come,” she added.
Her roles included service on the Executive Committee, the Nominating Committee, participation on the Small Business Council from 2000-2005 (which she chaired), and membership on the Accrediting Committee since 1998.
As Chair, her primary objectives were to highlight the role small businesses play in the country’s economy, emphasizing the need for engagement at local, state, and national levels. Advocating for businesses, she stated, “We need to rely on our membership in the state, local, and national chambers, and economic development organizations to be our voice in our absence.”
Besides championing the free enterprise system and capitalism, Donahue expressed her commitment to actively promote the State of Louisiana and its business. Her return for a second term was influenced by her initial tenure as Board Chair during which time Hurricane Katrina devastated with Louisiana Gulf Coast. Her leadership during this time allowed her to use the microphone to promote interest and investment in the region.
“To have a second opportunity to serve as chair was just unbelievable, sort of a validation of a job well done,” Donahue concluded.
Maura Donahue’s enduring dedication and impactful leadership have left an unforgettable mark on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, setting a high standard for future leaders in the organization.
DonahueFavret Contractors, Inc. is a 44-year strong general contracting corporation incorporated in Louisiana, providing high-level expertise and experience as the Greater New Orleans area general contractor of choice, serving throughout Louisiana and the Gulf South. With annual revenues over $100 million, the company’s nationally award winning work is diverse across all major sectors of commercial construction. The company is wholly committed to the region, serving as members of local, regional, and national organizations, and annually gives back to the community through several philanthropic efforts.