Joan McDonald has been named an honored member in government by Princeton Premier.

PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 14, 2008 – Joan McDonald is the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development.  She was appointed on May 9, 2007, to head this state agency which is responsible for business recruitment and retention, housing and community development.  Joan has more than two decades of experience in governmental and private sector strategic planning, economic expansion, transportation policy, operations and public finance.  Under her expert guidance, the agency has been an exemplary model of the state governor’s redevelopment ideals.  Joan has exceeded all expectations for economic advances and will assist DECD in their endeavor to create a comprehensive economic development plan that will address key issues of Connecticut’s long-term economic prosperity.  Joan has also been instrumental in coalition building and outreach and is focused on supporting Connecticut businesses as they strive to become more competitive in the global marketplace.  Joan is equally dynamic in the community housing arena and has instituted changes to internal procedures which accelerated the number of housing projects moving to completion.  Prior to her current role, Joan held several senior level executive positions in New York government including senior vice president for transportation at the New York City Economic Development Corporation and deputy commissioner for planning and traffic operations for New York City Department of Transportation.  Joan is on the board of directors of the Connecticut Development Authority, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority and on the board of trustees of the University of Connecticut.  She earned a master’s degree in public administration from the prestigious Harvard University and completed her undergraduate studies at LeMoyne College.  In her spare time, Joan enjoys playing golf, reading, attending Broadway shows and wine tasting.  

In recognition of an exemplary career as commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development, Joan McDonald is being included in the 2008/2009 Princeton Premier Registry alongside the most accomplished business leaders and professionals of every industry from around the globe.