Donna Mandelbaum has more than a decade of experience in the field of communications and public involvement. Formed in 2006, Libretto Communications, Inc. is a woman-owned communications firm specializing in public involvement, public relations, marketing, media relations, crisis communications, and strategic and written communications.

Through Libretto Communications, Donna has assisted companies, projects, and small businesses realize their communications vision through the development of effective community outreach, branding strategies, web site and social media presence and media/public relations campaigns.

An energetic and creative partner with a fresh marketing perspective, Donna brings much to the table for client projects including a passion for public involvement. Throughout her career, Donna has witnessed first-hand the difference that effective and inclusive public involvement can have on the bottom line – both for client projects’ schedules and budgets, and for the community members affected by those projects – and she works to incorporate this strategic component into her work with clients in order to communicate most effectively with their target audiences.

Donna has received special recognition for her work in communications and public involvement throughout her career:

• Finalist for Innovations in American Government Award, Harvard Kennedy School of Government Ash Institute (2007)
• Bronze Quill Award of Merit from the Kansas City chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (KC/IABC) (2010 & 2007)
• Regional American Public Works Association (APWA), Project of the Year Award for three capital projects (2007&2006)
• Regional American Public Works Association (APWA) Award (2006)
• U.S. Conference of Mayor’s Award (2005)
• Two visits to the National League of Cities Congress of Cities (2005 & 2004)
• Public Sector’s Administrative Professional of the Year for all of Jackson County, Mo, and the City of Kansas City, Mo. (2005)

Donna is an active member of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas City Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (KCIABC), as well as the Kansas City Branding Alliance, which is affiliated with the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC). Since 1999, Donna has been actively involved in various philanthropic ventures including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Advocates Network, as well as the Light the Night annual fundraiser event for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

A New York native and graduate of the University of Delaware, Donna began her career in New York as a technical writer for St. George’s University Medical School. She came to Kansas City where she worked with The Kansas City Star’s Metropolitan Division and then with the City of Kansas City, Missouri. Working with the local print media provided her numerous opportunities to learn about the Kansas City region, community and its government.

Donna’s proudest accomplishment is her family. Her husband Bryan is a structural engineer with Black & Veatch, and her sons, Drew and Brady, keep the art of discovery alive in her life.