Summary
Work History
Timeline
Skills
Education
Mentions
Affiliations
Key Qualifications
Work Availability
References
Overview
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Donna A. Danielewski, Ph.D.

Donna A. Danielewski, Ph.D.

Summary

Specialist in risk assessment and team leadership, fostering an inclusive culture across media platforms. Proven track record of driving organizational change and enhancing operational excellence through performance-driven strategies. Expertise in maintaining smooth operations to ensure company stability and sustainability. Strong skills in program management, strategic planning, and operational oversight.

Work History

Executive Director of Accessibility

GBH Educational Foundation
Brighton, MA
04.2021 - Current

Accessibility, ability, and disability are integral parts of the larger discourse on diversity, equity, and inclusion, nationally, and within GBH. As such, ensuring accessibility to GBH’s content, services, events, membership, workforce, and facilities is an essential part of GBH’s commitment to inclusion that underlies its strategy.

  • Spokesperson during press conferences & interviews as appropriate
  • Fosters a collaborative environment promoting innovation and employee engagement
  • Conducts risk assessments across operational areas to identify potential issues proactively
  • Cultivates relationships with key stakeholders, including board members, donors, sponsors, and community leaders
  • Leads the development of accessibility culture and institutional norms across GBH and its public media partners.
  • Represents GBH externally in national discourse on accessibility, acting as a thought leader

Senior Director/Director/ Manager NCAM

GBH's National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM)
Brighton, MA
09.2008 - 04.2021

NCAM has led the industry for more than three decades, making digital media accessible for people with disabilities with groundbreaking technologies, as well as setting industry-wide guidelines and best practices.

  • Transformed NCAM into a leading accessibility consulting firm for diverse clients
  • Spearheaded development of groundbreaking technologies, enhancing digital media access for individuals with disabilities
  • Evaluated employee training needs to align with specific job roles and responsibilities
  • Led cross-functional teams to devise innovative solutions for complex challenges
  • Promoted collaboration through regular communication, feedback, and staff recognition initiatives
  • Monitored industry trends, providing strategic recommendations to leverage opportunities
  • Oversaw budgeting processes, ensuring adherence to fiscal responsibilities throughout the year
  • Delivered best practices in project management to facilitate successful project outcomes

Associate Division Manager

Abt Associates Inc. (now Abt Global)
Cambridge, MA
01.2004 - 01.2008
  • Oversaw daily operations and risk management for Domestic Health Division with over 145 staff across five offices generating $30M in revenue
  • Managed million-dollar administrative budget while recruiting 15-20 new staff annually from Research Assistant to Principal Associate
  • Conducted monthly management reviews of 120 active contracts, ensuring successful performance across various health practices
  • Recruited internally for this Corporate Management position, demonstrating leadership potential and operational expertise

Project Manager II/Research Associate

Abt Associates Clinical Trials (AACT)
Cambridge, MA
12.1997 - 01.2004
  • Leveraged strong organizational and communication skills to manage diverse project teams and complex budgets.
  • Oversaw late-phase clinical trials, longitudinal studies, and national and global patient registries with 50 to 5000 enrolled patients.
  • Supervised project staff while ensuring timely and quality final deliverables.

Instructor, English Composition, English and American Literature

The Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
01.1994 - 01.1997
  • Conducted lectures, demonstrations, and group activities to enhance the learning experience
  • Adapted teaching methods to accommodate diverse student needs and capabilities
  • Facilitated classroom discussions to encourage critical thinking skills among students

Timeline

Executive Director of Accessibility

GBH Educational Foundation
04.2021 - Current

Senior Director/Director/ Manager NCAM

GBH's National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM)
09.2008 - 04.2021

Associate Division Manager

Abt Associates Inc. (now Abt Global)
01.2004 - 01.2008

Project Manager II/Research Associate

Abt Associates Clinical Trials (AACT)
12.1997 - 01.2004

Instructor, English Composition, English and American Literature

The Florida State University
01.1994 - 01.1997

Doctor of Philosophy - English

The Florida State University

Master of Arts - English

University of Connecticut

Bachelor of Arts - English

Boston University

Skills

  • Accessibility culture & compliance
  • Disability/Chronic Illness initiatives
  • Accessibility advocacy
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Risk assessment
  • Project management
  • Budget management
  • Team leadership
  • Policy development
  • Training program development
  • Strategic planning
  • Relationship building
  • Vendor relations
  • Public speaking
  • Corporate social responsibility
  • Community engagement
  • Partnership development
  • Consulting
  • Compliance and regulations
  • Proposal writing
  • Board relations
  • Social media

Education

Doctor of Philosophy - English

The Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
05-1997

Master of Arts - English

University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT
01.1993

Bachelor of Arts - English

Boston University
Boston, MA
01.1991

Mentions

GBH Names First Executive Director of Accessibility

https://www.wgbh.org/foundation/press/press-releases/2021-04-13/gbh-names-first-executive-director-of-accessibility

Access For All: Major Milestones In Media Accessibility

https://www.wgbh.org/foundation/services/ncam/about-ncam/access-for-all-major-milestones-in-media-accessibility

Elevating and Celebrating Accessibility

https://www.wgbh.org/foundation/highlights/2023-10-24/elevating-and-celebrating-accessibility

Making public media accessible: a move from mission to practice

https://current.org/2025/03/making-public-media-accessible-a-move-from-mission-to-practice/

Virtual Event: Grandparenting a Child with Autism: Roles, Responsibilities, and Supports

https://www.discoveryacton.org/events-programs/virtual-event-grandparenting-child-autism-roles-responsibilities-and-supports

Outside the Box: Donna  Danielewski of the National Center for Accessible Media

https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/print-edition/2014/11/07/outside-the-box-donna-danielewski-of-the-national.html

Affiliations

  • Cultural Access New England (CANE), Founding Member
  • Mass Cultural Council’s Disability Advisory Committee Member
  • No Limits Media, Board Member
  • The Light the Spark Award, Founder
  • Medway Public Library, Volunteer
  • Salmon Hospice, Volunteer

Key Qualifications

  • Strategically focused senior leader with over 30 years of project management, client management, and budget management experience in private, government and non-profit sectors.
  • Strengths include excellent communication and problem-solving skills, and proven management, budgetary, and supervisory capabilities.
  • Work history reflects success in various positions of increasing responsibility.
  • Exceptional writing abilities.

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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References

References available upon request.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience