Mark Donahue - Purdue Distinguished Engineering Alumni/Alumnae - Purdue University

Mark Donahue

Executive Vice President, Mortenson
BSCNE ‘94

One thing Mark Donahue didn’t realize about Purdue until after he graduated was its reputation for producing leaders both domestically and globally.

“Purdue’s curriculum, experiential learning, extracurricular activities, and philanthropic activities provide students with the ability to learn and prepare for the ‘real’ world differently than many other universities,” he said.

He has spent his entire career at Mortenson, starting as an estimator and rising to his current role of executive vice president. Over the last 30+ years, Donahue has seen the company hire a lot of engineers, including a fair number Purdue graduates. He’s noticed that they “lead differently” — in a good way. “It makes me super proud to be a Purdue alumnus,” he said.

As a student, his preparation for influential positions began immediately. He spent a substantial amount of time working and accepting leadership stints with the Purdue Student Housing Corporation to ensure fellow students were provided opportunities for affordable cooperative housing. As he was leaving Purdue, the organization presented him with the first award (named for him) that recognized outstanding commitment, vision, and service. “This was the moment I realized I could make a significant difference and an impact to the communities and the industry I was about to enter,” he said.

At Mortenson, Donahue has helped guide the company into new markets, including solar, power delivery, energy storage, engineering, EV infrastructure, and hydrogen. In California, he oversaw the 4,600-acre Edwards & Sanborn Solar+ Energy Storage Project. With a portion of the project situated on the Edwards Air Force Base, it is the largest public-private collaboration in U.S. Department of Defense history.

He led development of the Bipole III high-voltage direct-current power converter stations for Manitoba Hydro — the largest such project in North America in the last 30 years. The stations bolster the reliability of Manitoba’s electricity supply by reducing dependence on existing transmission lines and stations.

Donahue was a key executive behind Mortenson’s EV and microgrid infrastructure business, which currently is delivering the largest renewable energy-powered transit depot and microgrid in the country. This Montgomery County, Md. venture ensures operations continue during extended power outages.

At the end of the day, Donahue finds the most satisfaction in professional development. “I have been part of designing a lot of awesome facilities, buildings, and energy infrastructure — which is cool and super satisfying — but it doesn’t compare to seeing others you have supported and mentored succeed. What I truly enjoy is helping others become great leaders and watching them accomplish great things.”

He has been named to the 40 Under 40 by both Building Design + Construction magazine and the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, sits on the board of directors for the American Clean Power Association, is active in the Breakthrough T1D (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), sits on the Advisory Board for Lyles School of Civil & Construction Engineering, and received the 2023 Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering’s Outstanding Alumni Award from Purdue University.

His best advice is to be authentic. “Many people have a certain image of what it takes to make an impact, but leaders come in many different personalities and approaches. Leaders can be humble, caring, and kind.”

Career Highlights

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