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 Milton Medal, recognizing her years of leadership and dedication during a significant period of growth for Milton Academy.
“Lisa’s incredible service to Milton 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 Milton during a critical period, and every time the school needed more from her, she increased her level of time, energy, and dedication to Milton’s success. Although Lisa credits Milton for its positive role during a formative time in her life, what is most impressive is her ability to separate the Milton 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 Milton 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 Milton—has positioned Milton well for the future, said Head of School Todd Bland. In addition to her oversight of Milton’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 Milton Medal, the highest honor our Trustees can bestow upon an individual,” said Bland. “During my time at Milton, 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 Milton 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 Milton.
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.
