Deb Donley & Paul Voinovich Deemed Cleveland 500 Leaders

This article is originally from Cleveland Magazine published on March 15, 2024.

The Cleveland 500 showcases the movers and shakers shaping Cleveland’s landscape, spotlighting these individuals for their contributions. Today’s leaders confront unprecedented hurdles. While artificial intelligence offers numerous opportunities for enhancing productivity, effective leadership demands a grasp of its limitations and a commitment to ethical use. Moreover, labor scarcities compel leaders to innovate in recruitment and retention strategies, all while prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. It’s a complex balancing act, but Northeast Ohio’s leaders are rising to the occasion, adapting to thrive in an ever-evolving environment.

It’s with great pride that we announce Deb Donley, Vocon’s Chief Experience Officer, and Paul Voinovich, Chief Executive Officer, have been acknowledged as two of the distinguished leaders among the Cleveland 500 in 2024. Check out their profiles below:

Deb Donley:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Bowling Green State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: My value system, along with my desire to curate a culture for our people founded in trust and respect

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Ronald Reagan

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My husband, Mac Donley

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Fashion designer

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Enjoy each day. The challenges along the way inform your character! God has a plan.

Proudest Moment: Becoming a mom

My Biography Would Be Called: Grateful, Gritty and Faithful People Change the World

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Don’t peak in high school!

Biggest Regret: Not living in another city outside of Cleveland in my younger years

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Reese Witherspoon

Paul Voinovich:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science, John Carroll University

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: George V. Voinovich, as he did not make decisions based on party but for the people

Favorite Quote: “You can only control what you say or do no matter how hard you try.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My wife, Jeannine, or sister, Deb Donley

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Real estate developer

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Tell the truth, no matter what the consequences.

Proudest Moment: Raising five children and providing a solid foundation in order for them to be successful in any of their life pursuits

Biggest Regret: Not telling my father enough how much I truly appreciated everything he sacrificed for me to make me the man I am today before his sudden passing at 59.

Hobby/Passion: Mountain biking, skiing, golfing and watching my two youngest boys play sports