Donna Simek

About Donna Simek

I am a global commercial leader and recent Board Chair with a career-long focus on SaaS, Revenue Generation and Competitive Intelligence. I served two years as the Board Chair for Friendship Force International leading 15 culturally diverse board members representing 60 countries in strategic and fiduciary oversight of a global organization.Having recently retired from my executive career at GlobalData, I now dedicate my expertise to Independent Board Governance and Strategic Advisory. I specialize in helping boards navigate the complexities of recurring revenue models, global market expansion, and driving revenue.Board-Level Value Proposition:Commercial Oversight- I have spent my career at the forefront of the subscription economy. I offer boards a disciplined lens on Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy, competitive strategies, and the scalability of \"Information-as-a-Service\" platforms.Active Governance- I served two years as a Board Chair, leading \"Strategy for the Future\" initiatives, overseeing CEO relations, and ensure organizational sustainability across a diverse international footprint. Managing a membership-based organization at this scale requires navigating cultural complexity, international compliance, and long-term strategic vision—the same hurdles tech brands face as they expand globally.Analytical Foundation- My background in Engineering from Purdue provides the analytical rigor I apply to Risk Oversight and Audit functions. I am uniquely equipped to bridge the gap between technical complexity and commercial outcomes.The Endurance Roots: I completed my first Ironman in 1985, back when the sport was in its infancy. That pioneer spirit is how I approach board advisory: I believe in resilience, mental toughness, and the \"long game.\"Core Competencies: Corporate Governance | Fiduciary Oversight | SaaS Business Models | International Expansion | GTM Strategy | Strategic Planning I am based in Boston and currently seeking additional Non-Executive Director roles or advisory positions where my technical-commercial background can contribute to long-term value creation. My interests are hiking, rowing and anything outdoors.

Experience

1. Chair of the Board of Directors Friendship Force International

   Friendship Force International

   Jan 2024 — Present · Boston, MA, US

   Led the strategic and fiduciary oversight of a global organization operating across 60 countries, ensuring long-term sustainability and mission alignment for a worldwide membership base.Digital Acceleration: Directed the Board to prioritize Technology and Marketing as the core strategic pillars, overseeing the roadmap for digital infrastructure upgrades.Executive Leadership: Manage a diverse, multicultural Board of 15 Directors, driving consensus on complex global policy and financial decisions.Partner with CEO to guide organizational strategy, risk management, and operational performance.Developed and scaled membership-based programs, strengthening member engagement, retention, and global participation.Oversee committees, budgets, and cross-cultural initiatives supporting FFI’s mission of citizen diplomacy and cultural exchange.

Education

• Purdue University

  BSEE, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Marketing

  1979 — 1983

• Landmark Education

  Landmark Forum, Advanced Course, SELP

  2011 — 2013

Skills

• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Salesforce.com
• Telecommunications
• Competitive Analysis
• Entrepreneurship
• Business Development
• Management
• Enterprise Software
• Leadership
• Cloud Computing
• Marketing
• Crm
• Go-to-Market Strategy
• Market Analysis
• Strategic Partnerships
• Sales Operations
• Sales