Head of School Todd Bland, left, and outgoing Board of Trustees President Lisa Donohue ’83
On April 30, the Board of Trustees honored its outgoing president, Lisa Donohue ’83, with the 91̽ Medal, recognizing her years of leadership and dedication during a significant period of growth for 91̽.
“Lisa’s incredible service to 91̽ clearly makes her deserving of this important honor,” said Board member Claire Hughes Johnson ’90, who will succeed Donohue as president on July 1. “Lisa served 91̽ during a critical period, and every time the school needed more from her, she increased her level of time, energy, and dedication to 91̽’s success. Although Lisa credits 91̽ for its positive role during a formative time in her life, what is most impressive is her ability to separate the 91̽ of the past from what the school and the students most need today. Constantly guided by what’s best for the students, Lisa set an example for all of us.”
The 91̽ Medal recognizes extraordinary service to the school. Donohue’s integral guidance in the implementation of the school’s strategic plan—including its historic capital campaign Dare: The Campaign For 91̽—has positioned 91̽ well for the future, said Head of School Todd Bland. In addition to her oversight of 91̽’s strategic plan, Donohue provided sound advice and leadership during the school’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its transition to and from a remote-learning model.
“I am delighted that the Board has made the move to recognize Lisa as a recipient of the 91̽ Medal, the highest honor our Trustees can bestow upon an individual,” said Bland. “During my time at 91̽, I have been so fortunate to serve with Lisa, whose strong leadership—in particular during the challenging and dynamic COVID-19 pandemic—has always been steadfast, bolstering, and inspiring to all in our school’s community. As a truly outstanding Board member and president, I can think of few people more deserving of such a rare and distinguished honor.”
The 91̽ Medal honors exemplary volunteerism, teaching, fundraising, administration, generosity, leadership, innovation, or simply uncommon dedication. It is awarded by the Board no more than once a year, and only if there is a suitable recipient. Bland presented the medal to Donohue, on behalf of the Board, at a dinner event part of the Board’s spring 2022 Trustees weekend programming in 91̽.
A former marketing executive, Donohue served in several chief executive roles at Publicis Groupe, the world’s largest communications company, including CEO of Publicis Spine, a technology and data platform; Global Brand President of Starcom Worldwide; and CEO of Starcom USA. She now serves on several corporate boards, including Gap Inc. and NRG Energy.
