Donna Colonna

DONNA COLONNA joined Services for the UnderServed (SUS) in January 1997 and was appointed President/CEO in January 2002. (SUS is an $85 million non-profit founded in 1978, which with a staff of 1,600, each day serves close to 4,000 of the most vulnerable individuals in the New York City society–individuals with special needs due to a developmental, mental or physical disability often compounded by poverty, homelessness, inadequate education, substance abuse or a history of institutionalization.)

Ms. Colonna has dedicated her entire career to creating opportunities and services for individuals with disabilities having begun her career in 1974 at Catholic Charities as a live in staff in a group home for individuals with developmental disabilities who had lived at the Willowbrook State School. This experience shaped her philosophy, beliefs and her career path. After leaving Catholic Charities, Ms. Colonna joined the League School for children with special needs and developed their first residence for young adults with severe autism and challenging behaviors, and their first vocational program for young adults graduating from the school.

For eight years during the late seventies through the mid-eighties Ms. Colonna worked for then OMRDD and OMH NYC regional offices as part of a team who created the beginnings of community-based services for individuals with developmental disabilities and supported housing for individuals with mental illness.

After leaving the State, Ms. Colonna served as the Executive Vice President of a not-for-profit (PSCH) that provided services for individuals with developmental disabilities and individuals with mental illness. During a12-year tenure, she developed $35 million in services—including specialty health and habilitation clinics, day programs, employment programs including a consumer-run business, residences and in-home case management and habilitation services. Just prior to joining SUS, Ms. Colonna consulted for UCP/NYC to help improve and expand its Article 28 health clinics for individuals with cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities.

Over the years, Ms. Colonna has served in industry leadership positions in statewide and NYC trade associations and has served on numerous government committees that have shaped policy and program implementation. She served on the Association for Community Living (ACL–a statewide mental health association) board for 10 years and also held the position of President of ACL. Ms. Colonna has served on the board of NYAPRS (NYS Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services–a statewide consumer/provider advocacy group), and on the board of the Coalition for Behavioral Health Care for 8 years, 4 of those as Vice President.

She is currently on the board of the InterAgency Council of Developmental Disabilities Agencies, Inc. and serves as the President of the Coalition for Behavioral Health Care. Both organizations are trade associations each representing about 150 service providers. Ms. Colonna serves on the board of NAMI NYC Metro (National Alliance on Mental Illness, a support, education, and advocacy organization serving families and individuals whose lives are affected by mental illness). Ms. Colonna also serves on the CDCH Charter School board and on the Leadership Council of the Support Center for Nonprofit Management, an organization dedicated to increasing the effectiveness of nonprofit leaders and their organizations.

In 2009, Ms. Colonna was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Association for Women Business Owners (NAWBO New York City). The award recognized her for exemplifying the commitment, determination and endurance it takes to create a successful, long-term business.

Throughout her career, Ms. Colonna has been a vocal advocate for the rights of and services for individuals with disabilities.