Wise Women- Supervisor Donna G. Michaels, PhD

Donna G. Michaels, Ph.D. is a community engaged leader who has served in government, education, community and cultural initiatives, private industry, development and non-profits nationally and internationally. She is a published author on social policy, public administration and capital funds development. She has expertise in public policy, land use planning and government regulation.

Dr. Michaels has lived in the Verde Valley almost three decades and cherishes the rural, small town character and iconic views that are unique to this area. Her commitment to Yavapai County residents is based in three promises:

Protect our rural, small town, communities' character and/or Community Plans and Vision statements and
Preserve our rural lifestyle wherever possible and practicable, our land use and critically diminishing water resources, and
Promote business that support our communities' plans and vision, robust, smart technologies and sustainable economies.

She is known for building teams of diverse constituents to develop and implement organizational goals. Dr. Michaels is a hands-on leader in execution or development plans through partnering with internal/external resources and recruitment and mentoring high performance teams.

She is accomplished in the areas of building stakeholder relationships, collaboration with diverse populations, board development, fundraising and program development, implementation, management and marketing.

Dr. Michaels is an accomplished public speaker, moderator and published author. She has expertise in the fields of education, public policy, land use planning and government regulation. Her passion for horses has led to involvement, support and pro bono consultation for a number of equine organizations and ventures.

Affiliations
Yavapai College Trustee, Board Spokesperson and Secretary
Marilyn Sunderman Foundation, Founder, President
Arizona Rural Health Association, Board Member, State Conference Organizer and M.C.
National Rural Education Association, Board Member and State Conference Presenter
National Association of Hearing Officials (NAHO), Member
Arizona Department of Educations Arizona Risk Retention (The TRUST), Hearing Officer
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor SpeakOut Arizona Sedona/Verde Valley Advisory Board
Verde Valley Land Preservation Institute, Board member and Chair 2019 Town Hall Forum
Veterans Equine Therapeutic Alliance, Founder and Board Member
Arizona Rangers, Verde Valley Company
Education
Ph.D. Barry University, Miami, Florida
B.S. and M.S.W., Summa Cum Laude, University of Nebraska, Omaha
B.S., University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette