Joan McDonald receives prestigious community leadership award
08/20/2022
Iona University in New Rochelle was the recent site of the Third Annual Irish Echo Conference that brought together government, business, and community leaders from across the country to share ideas on a wide array of issues.
Rob Walsh was one of the organizers of the event and led a tour along North Avenue adjacent to the Iona campus where the University has made significant investment leading to a revitalization of the commercial corridor.
A highlight of the conference occurred when Rob had the opportunity to present the Cara Medal to Joan McDonald, his former colleague from the Bloomberg Administration. Over the last four years, Joan has served as the Director of Operations for Westchester and oversees 12 County Departments and 4,500 employees.
Joan served as Commissioner of the NYS Department of Transportation from 2011-2015. Under Joan’s leadership, the agency implemented 30 design/build, best value contracts, including the $550 million Kosciuszko Bridge, the Department’s largest contract.
As Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development from 2007 to 2010 Joan led economic development efforts through the “Great Recession”. Joan chaired Connecticut Innovations, investing funds in various start-up companies in the biotechnical, aviation and IT sectors. Joan has served in senior management positions for the City of New York, Metro-North Railroad, and the New York State Assembly.
“Joan has made tremendous contributions throughout her public service and involved in many creative game changing initiatives. It was so great to see Joan recognize and a honor to be on hand” said Walsh.