Dona Gibbs
Dona Gibbs is a mission-critical IT Project Manager with a proven track record of delivering complex projects on time, within budget, and within scope. She specializes in managing all aspects of the project lifecycle, including planning, assigning responsibilities, holding teams accountable, and ensuring effective communication across stakeholders. Dona combines technical expertise with strong leadership skills, motivating teams to achieve optimal efficiency while maintaining alignment with organizational goals. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from The Ohio State University and has earned certifications including Lean Six Sigma Camo Belt and Fundamentals of Grant Writing from the U.S. Department of State.
In her current role as IT Project Manager at the Ohio Secretary of State, Dona leads initiatives ranging from data center asset management to statewide election operational IT checks. She has successfully managed projects such as updating the Board of Elections E-file application, overseeing a website redesign, implementing ServiceNow tools, and building internal IT knowledge bases. Her experience spans both public and private sectors, including roles at American Electric Power and goPuff, where she managed projects, operations, logistics, and cost analysis with precision and strategic insight.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dona is committed to community service and volunteerism. She has served as a Case Manager at Faith Mission and participated in hands-on projects with WWOOF-USA®, demonstrating her dedication to service and problem-solving outside the office. Known for her ability to build bridges between people and technology, Dona leverages her expertise, collaboration skills, and strategic vision to deliver seamless results and empower her teams to succeed.
• Fundamentals of Grant Writing
• Lean Six Sigma Camo Belt
• The Ohio State University
• Columbus State Community College
• Faith Mission
• WWOOF-USA®
• Safe at Home
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: don’t give up. Stay open to learning new skills, embrace challenges, and be consistent in your efforts—perseverance and dedication go a long way in building a successful career.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Creativity, authenticity, and connection are the values I hold most important in both my work and personal life. I’ve been making jewelry since college, and over time my passion has grown into a jewelry and spiritual/healing boutique, where I use crystals to support what customers are hoping to achieve. I also express my creativity through designing clothing that represents my culture and personal style, allowing me to share my vision and connect with others in meaningful ways.