Her Story
About Donna
Donna Cumell is an IT operations, public-sector technology, cybersecurity, ERP systems, and executive technology leadership professional with over 40 years of experience. She currently serves as Assistant Executive Director of Technology Services with the Suffolk County Comptroller’s Office. In this role, she oversees a $4.3 billion budget and is responsible for all payments and automations for the information systems for financials across 25-plus departments using the CGI financial management system. Her background includes 18 plus years in the county with 17 years in IT roles progressing from project coordinator to project manager to assistant manager of operations. She has led countywide cyber incident recovery as Deputy of Business Continuity, upgraded the financial management system on budget and on time without an integrator, and participated in Executive PMO and Change Management Committees as well as GovBuy and Sample Committees. Donna holds an associate's degree in computer science from the 1970s, a bachelor's in political science and business management, and a master's in public policy from Stony Brook University, along with professional certifications from George Washington University and Stony Brook University.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Donna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being hardworking, a good listener, and a team player who values collaboration and mentoring. I believe in perseverance and finding solutions rather than accepting 'no' as an answer. I encourage my team to brainstorm ideas without stifling their growth and ensure recognition for hard work, which has helped build strong, eager staff members in the county.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is to keep my confidence level up, know my self-worth, and always prepare thoroughly for meetings and presentations. Speak clearly, know your audience, research topics deeply, and use visuals to engage people. Prepare so you can make an input and drive changes, working smarter not harder.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Always come prepared for meetings, know your projects inside and out, speak clearly, and make your points without letting anyone stifle your thoughts. Be a strong person who takes initiative, picks up the phone, and engages end users. In a male-dominant field, you have to be strong, have a voice, and stand your ground if you believe in something.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is being prepared for cyber threats, which are rampant through AI and hold organizations hostage for data. The opportunity is to stay ahead of the curve by taking classes and seminars on AI for cybersecurity and threat defense, constantly upgrading systems, applying patches, and maintaining multiple layers of security to minimize risks.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value honesty, loyalty, and being a team player who believes in collaboration, which leads to successful projects. At home, I am fair, open to ideas, and structured, using to-do lists and delegation to manage tasks from inception to completion, applying the same methodology as at work.
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