My Personal Story
I grew up on a farm in Newburgh, New York. A chemical accident as a toddler left me physically scarred, and losing my mother at 14 left me emotionally scarred as well. Overnight, I became responsible for raising my two younger sisters — one was only three years old, the other still in diapers.
Those early years taught me resilience, responsibility, and compassion — qualities that became the foundation for everything I would achieve later. But my young adulthood was not easy. Failed marriages, financial hardship, and the challenge of being a single mother of three forced me to confront who I was and who I wanted to become.
In 1978, with little experience but a great deal of determination, I founded my first company, Career Directions, in the basement of an office building. It was a small employment agency that quickly grew into eight offices across four states with over 100 employees. I didn’t start out knowing everything about business — but I understood people. That intuition became my greatest strength.
Building Businesses and Changing Lives
Over the years, I’ve founded and led several successful organizations, including Cornell International, a Wall Street search firm later acquired by Adecco; Cornell Associates, sold in 2007; and Circuit Technology Search in Arizona. My entrepreneurial spirit also led me into real estate, where my husband and I helped revitalize entire neighborhoods — one of which was recognized by Habitat for Humanity for its impact on affordable housing and community renewal. Through these ventures, I discovered what truly fulfills me: helping others find their potential, rise above their challenges, and succeed with integrity.
A Career Built on Leadership and Service
Leadership has never been just a title for me — it’s a responsibility. I’ve had the honor of serving on numerous Boards of Directors, including The Family Health Center, Dutchess County Arts Council, Elant Inc., Fleet Bank, Hudson Valley Philharmonic, and Marist College Advisory Board, among others.
I also chaired the Board of Elant Inc., a nonprofit healthcare system caring for over 3,000 people a day, and co-founded The Orange County Partnership, an award-winning regional economic development organization that continues to strengthen the Hudson Valley’s economy.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition for my work — from Business Leader of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year to Distinguished Citizen of the Year and numerous Congressional and State citations. I was also deeply honored to participate in President Ronald Reagan’s Grace Commission and to serve under Governor Mario Cuomo on the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Council. These experiences taught me that real leadership is not about authority — it’s about contribution.
Guiding Growth in Work and Life
After decades in recruitment and leadership, I began focusing on what I’ve always loved most: helping people grow.
As a speaker and career strategist, I share actionable insights that empower individuals and organizations to adapt, lead, and thrive in times of change. My signature talks and coaching sessions center on mindset, resilience, and practical strategies for success in today’s workplace.
A Life of Purpose and Gratitude
Beyond business, my greatest joy is my family. I’ve been married since 1984 to my husband, The Honorable Jeffery Werner, and together we share four wonderful children — Danny, Bret, Erica, and Ryan — and nine incredible grandchildren.
We split our time between Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York and Longboat Key, Florida, where we enjoy gardening, entertaining, and exploring new places together.
Everything I do — whether in business, mentoring, or speaking — is guided by one mission:
To help people and organizations turn adversity into opportunity, fear into faith, and potential into lasting success. Ready to Take the Next Step? If you’re ready to transform your career, your leadership, or your organization — I’d be honored to help.
Donna Cornell
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