Former vice president of communications at McDonald's was
named a public relations professional to watch in 2005 by PR Week

Michael Donahue is recognized around the world for his ability to change the fundamental way companies project their “story” under ever-evolving global business and market dynamics. His innate understanding of the real and perceived image of a business, and astute knowledge of what strategies and approaches will succeed is backed by a track record of performance showcasing the true value of some of the world’s most recognized organizations and trademarks.

Over the course of his 20+ year career, Mr. Donahue has become a trusted advisor at the Board and CEO levels of highly visible Fortune 500 corporations who require a multi-dimensional approach to build credibility and trust among a diverse group of constituents – employees, customers, shareholders, the media and the public. Through his contemporary views, business acumen and unique functional skill set, Mr. Donahue has translated concepts into winning communications, public/community relations, social responsibility, government affairs, and corporate/brand marketing programs.

During his early career with McDonald’s, Mr. Donahue progressed through increasingly responsible positions to become a corporate officer and senior executive within 10 years.  During this time, Mr. Donahue championed several ground-breaking leadership initiatives resulting in a complete paradigm shift in the alignment of traditional government relations, communications and public/community affairs strategies and organizational structures.  By coalescing these functional disciplines into a holistic model, coupled with Mr. Donahue’s “anticipatory” philosophies, he launched McDonald’s first Social Responsibility and Issues Management organizations along with groups dedicated to special initiatives/programs.

As the constant target of zealots, antagonists and advocacy groups on multiple fronts, Mr. Donahue engaged his one-of-a-kind issues management model and dedicated team to forever change “crisis management” from reactive to proactive with in-depth expertise in identifying potential issues, developing preemptive action plans and coalescing all communica-tion disciplines/mediums into an integrated platform that quickly, effectively diffused volatile, potentially damaging publicity, public policy, other factors impacting the corporation’s brand identity and reputation. 

Operating in a large, complex and global corporation, Mr. Donahue brought clear vision and transparency to the office of the President and Chief Operating Officer and effectively aligned cross-functional disciplines from the executive suite to the field.  In turn, his actions were critical to establishing new brand relevance and consumer loyalty, which culminated in the most significant turn around in recent corporate history, from its first quarterly loss in 30 years to record breaking sales.

Prior to joining McDonald’s in 1987, Mr. Donahue spent 5 years in government relations where he created favorable envi-ronments for small businesses, retailers and a Fortune 500 company to conduct business with minimal regulatory restric-tion, as a Manager/Director with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, National Federation of Independent Business and 3M Corporation.  He then transitioned into public office to assist the incumbent Governor to address small business concerns as Deputy Director for the State of Illinois Commerce Department.

In 2006, Mr. Donahue pursued his entrepreneurial ambitions and established a multi-dimensional communications, marketing and issue management firm, Donahue Trust Management, LLC. 

Mr. Donahue is recognized throughout the public relations industry for his innovation and leadership.  He earned PR Weekly Magazine’s highest honor, “Public Relations Leaders to Watch”  in 2005, and has received other awards from the Public Relations Society of America for select projects and initiatives.  Mr. Donahue has completed extensive Executive Development Coaching and Public Affairs Council certifications and training over the last 10 years and is a former major in the School of Communication at Illinois State University.