WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today thanked Maura W. Donahue, president of DonahueFavret Contractors Holding Company, headquartered in Mandeville, Louisiana, for her service as chair of the U.S. Chamber Board of Directors over the past two years. Today, Donahue also passed the gavel to incoming Chair Chris Lofgren.
“Maura Donahue has given her time and talent to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for more than 20 years—most recently as a second-time chair of our board,” said Thomas J. Donohue, CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “Through her advocacy for small businesses, her commitment to civil engagement, and her passion for building things, she has made a big impact on our organization. The Chamber is better and stronger because of her leadership.”
“Maura will be remembered for serving as the first woman chair of the Chamber back in 2005. She’ll be known for serving as chair twice, during periods of great national challenge, including Hurricane Katrina and a global pandemic,” said Suzanne P. Clark, president of the U.S. Chamber. “Most of all, Maura always will be loved by this institution for her spirit of service, and her passion for small business and spurring economic growth to confront national economic challenges.”
At the Chamber’s November Board meeting, Donahue was awarded the Chamber’s Dennis Sheehan Award, which recognizes a person or organization that exemplifies outstanding leadership and commitment to the American business community and the U.S. Chamber. Previous award recipients include: Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and former mayor of New York City; the late Jay Van Andel, cofounder of Amway; Fred Smith, founder of FedEx; and the late John Bachmann, senior partner at Edward Jones.
Donahue has been an active and engaged member of the U.S. Chamber Board since 1998 and has served twice as chair: once in 2005-2006 and again in 2019-2020.
Donahue is president of DonahueFavret Contractors Holding Company. She has been a key member of DonahueFavret Contractors, Inc. since joining the company in 1981. As the company grew, Maura was named vice president, overseeing business development and office administration, and in 2010 became executive vice president. Maura is also one of the owners of DonahueFavret Contractors.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chair Maura Donahue speaks during the 540th meeting of the board after assuming the chairmanship on June 6, 2019. Photo by Ian Wagreich / U.S. Chamber of Commerce
