William A. Donan
William A. Donan Former CVP, Allegiance Healthcare Corporation. Following graduation, Donan had his chance to fly, serving as a fixed-wing aviator in the U.S. Army for five years and achieving the rank of captain. Though he had orders for Vietnam he never went there—instead his hardship tour was in Saudi Arabia. Upon discharge in 1973, he accepted an entry-level sales position with American Hospital Supply Corporation in Southern California. Donan advanced quickly with American, rising to vice president and general manager in five years. Further promotions followed. Four years after American merged with Baxter International, Donan became president of their Pharmaseal Division. Before retiring in 2001, Donan served as the southeast region president for Allegiance Healthcare Corporation, which had spun off from Baxter in 1996. In that position, he managed a regional operation with a staff of more than 1,000 in 40 locations and $1 billion in sales.
In 2002 he founded Executive Management Consulting, LLC, a senior management consulting firm. Donan, who serves on several boards for both profit and nonprofit companies, also devotes considerable time and money to support initiatives within the Smeal College of Business. From guest lecturer in the classroom to mentor to undergraduate and MBA students to commencement speaker, Donan has shared his expertise with future business leaders. Additionally, he served on Smeal's Alumni Society Board, is a member of the Hammond Society, and currently serves on Smeal's Board of Visitors. Since 1997, Donan has established an undergraduate scholarship, MBA fellowship, and an endowed professorship within the Smeal College of Business—all with the goal of promoting diversity within the student body and faculty.
Penn State previously honored Donan as an Alumni Fellow in 1994. He is a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association and lives with his wife, Pamela, near Atlanta.