Donna M. Zachary, MBA, has dedicated more than two decades to her role as the president of Zachary and Associates of Ohio. Her career began in pharmaceuticals, where she gained valuable experience that later proved instrumental when she worked with the State of Ohio to move Medicaid recipients onto more cost-effective programs. Later, Ms. Zachary transitioned into the Medicare sector at Prudential Senior Care before founding her own business in 2003. Her expertise in retirement and senior benefits has been honed through more than a decade in medical equipment sales and pharmaceutical sales and management. As a registered social security analyst, she helps individuals determine the best time to retire, emphasizing that retirement should not be a guessing game.
Ms. Zachary’s professional journey is marked by her active involvement in industry-related organizations. She is a member of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals and serves on its working group for prescription drugs, influencing legislative changes at both the state and federal levels. Additionally, she is affiliated with the Cleveland East Senior Network, a professional networking group, as well as three other networking groups and the local chamber of commerce.
Ms. Zachary laid a strong educational foundation for her professional success, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in speech communications and sociology from Case Western Reserve University in 1975. She also earned a Master of Business Administration from Baldwin Wallace College. As a further testament to her commitment to continuing education and professional excellence, Ms. Zachary is a National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals certified professional and is a registered social security analyst.
Alongside her primary roles, Ms. Zachary’s civic contributions are equally noteworthy. As the co-founder and chair of the South Euclid GardenWalk, she has fostered community engagement through gardening initiatives. Beyond this, she is actively involved in professional and community organizations, serving as a board member for several groups and participating in fundraising activities. Her past fundraising efforts include supporting the Cleveland Clinic, a battered women’s shelter, and other organizations. Reflecting her outstanding contributions to both her field and community, Ms. Zachary has been honored with multiple national recognitions.
Ms. Zachary’s legacy is one of compassion and dedication to her clients’ well-being. She prioritizes meeting the needs of others above personal gain, striving to help clients maintain health and satisfaction. Her faith serves as a guiding force, inspiring her to approach challenges with resilience and purpose throughout her career journey.
In her personal life, Ms. Zachary is known for her empathy and genuine concern for others. She enjoys gardening and attending operas and plays, which provide balance to her professional commitments. Looking to the future, she aims to focus more on networking and actively participating in charitable organizations, driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to philanthropic causes.
Ms. Zachary advises the next generation entering the health insurance industry to remember that their work is not about themselves but the customer. She emphasizes the importance of listening to clients, understanding their needs, and addressing those needs effectively. Additionally, Ms. Zachary encourages aspiring professionals to become experts in their field, noting that continuous learning is crucial, as one can never know too much.