Who is your most influential role model, and why?
Who is your most influential role model, and why?
My most influential role model was one of my early mentors who then became a close friend, Sandra Shapard. In the late 1980s, Sandra was my boss when we both started work at the New York State Assembly Ways and Means Committee. In each of my career moves, Sandra has been my “go-to” sounding board as I weighed the benefits and costs of each position. From her I learned how to think through the issues and weigh all sides before making a decision; how to be a tough but fair negotiator; and how to be gracious in defeat. Women like Sandra taught me that while the journey is important, the destination can and should be rewarding.
Why are you good at what you do?
I recognize that in order to succeed, you have to capitalize on people’s strengths and recognize their weaknesses. I have worked in many different organizations: a state legislature, a railroad, a Fortune 500 company and a municipal government (New York City). I was able to succeed in each of these organizations because of my ability to assimilate into each and achieve chemistry with the people I worked with. My ability to make decisions is another reason I’ve been successful. I believe this ability has served me well in moving my department and/or work unit forward. It also helps to share credit with the whole team, something I make sure I always do. Last, I don’t know where it came from, but public speaking has always been easy for me. Being able to articulate issues and respond to questions under sometimes confrontational situations is one of my greatest strengths.
How does your organization give back to the community, and what role have you played in those efforts?
The Department of Economic and Community Development is a unique government organization. We are in the business of giving to the community. Our programs are many and varied, from the Housing Trust Fund program where we have invested over $30 million in affordable housing in the state, to brownfields remediation where we have invested close to $10 million in communities around the state, and to our Small Manufacturers’ Assistance Program where we provide low-interest loans up to $200,000 to manufacturers around the state. One of the great things about DECD is that we have the flexibility to be responsive to the needs of the state’s businesses and our communities across Connecticut.
When the stress level gets too high, what’s your secret remedy?
It wouldn’t be a secret if I told you.
How have you tried to balance your career and your personal life? Give an example or two.
In today’s 24/7 world, it is extremely important to balance career and personal life. More than anything, I go with my instincts. I limit my career evening events to two per week and make sure I get out of the office for lunch at least once per week — even if it’s just 15 minutes to walk and grab a sandwich. I set aside between two and three hours on Saturday morning to catch up on work related reading. The rest of the weekend is off limits for work — unless the governor calls. And I take vacations. Like most people, I find the time to have dinner and lunch with friends, attend theatre and play golf. It truly is about finding a balance and telling yourself and others that personal time is equally important to your career.
Name: Joan McDonald
Occupation: Public administration
Location of Business: 505 Hudson St., Hartford
Miscellaneous: McDonald was named Public Policy Leader of the Year for 2008 by the Connecticut Technology Council, and serves as a member of several boards of directors, including the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees and the Connecticut Development Authority. She is a member of the Women’s Transportation Seminar, chair of Connecticut Innovations and co-chair of the Habitat for Humanity 2009 Women Builders Campaign.
McDonald received a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
