Leaving an impactful legacy

James Madison University alumni have a longstanding tradition of contributing positively to their communities in various fields. These graduates carry the values of their alma mater into their professional lives, making notable strides in industries ranging from healthcare and education to business and public service. Their careers are characterized by a dedication to excellence, a commitment to community and a drive to create meaningful change.

And Michael Donlan (‘91, ‘22P) is no exception. “After a 30-plus year career, my goal now is to make an impact in society.”

Donlan started making a name for himself immediately following his graduation from JMU’s College of Business in 1991. With his degree in hand, the Computer Information Systems major pursued opportunities in the government and tech sectors, first landing a job with Oracle Corporation, before eventually accepting a position at Microsoft as their national technology officer. 

Over 15 years, Donlan rose through the ranks, including a stint in Singapore as Microsoft’s managing director for the Asian public sector. He concluded his tenure at Microsoft as vice president of US state and local government before transitioning to Apple, where he led the US public sector for government and education. 

Among his many notable accomplishments, Donlan said leading Apple Education through the pandemic and helping facilitate Microsoft's move to cloud-based programming were some of the most impactful moments. However, he believes his current role as CEO of the Child Rescue Coalition is the most rewarding. “Our mission is to provide technology to law enforcement to help save lives,” he explains.  

Donlan’s departure from Apple had marked the beginning of what many people spend their careers working toward: retirement. Yet, when the opportunity arose to continue doing good, he couldn’t turn it down. Though his family urged him to enjoy retirement after a lengthy career spanning decades and the globe, Donlan said, “If I can change society and make a positive impact in the life of a child, that's the most important thing I can do.”

The Child Rescue Coalition is a nonprofit organization that rescues children from sexual abuse by building technology for law enforcement, free of charge, to identify, arrest and prosecute child predators. By partnering with a global team of child exploitation investigators, police officers, digital forensic experts and child welfare agencies, the Child Rescue Coalition has rescued more than 3,000 children from sexual exploitation, arrested more than 15,000 predators and prevented the abuse of more than 750,000 children. 

“Online child sexual abuse is a big, big problem and it's only gotten worse since the onset of the pandemic. It's horrific. So if we can make a dent in solving this problem, that will be the best thing I've ever done in my life,” says Donlan. 

Donlan’s legacy extends beyond his career, though. He is also in the habit of giving back, holding doors open and proudly telling those around him why JMU is so special. 

Among his reasons are JMU’s beautiful campus, friendly faces and balanced academics. Chief among them, though, is that JMU introduced him to his wife, Jessica (‘92, ‘22P), who also graduated as a CIS major. “We’re very passionate, huge JMU fans,” said Donlan. “When I’m asked what the magic is at JMU I tell people it's the building of a unique persona with characteristics that teach you how to be well-rounded and how to interact with people. And I think that's the most important thing that helped me in my career.”

The Donlans’ passion for JMU shines through their dedication to helping the next generation of business professionals and scholars. Donlan noted that, until quite recently, a student's ability to attend college was in many cases based on their economic standing. But, he said, “My belief is that everybody should have an equal opportunity. There are so many people who have above-average potential, but their means don't allow them to realize it.”

As supporters of JMU’s Valley Scholars program, the Donlans are providing access to higher education for capable, bright young men and women who do not have the means to attend college. “I met a CIS major from Lynchburg who told me her parents never expected her to attend college, nor had they even considered it. But she participated in the Valley Scholars program through high school and is now a student at JMU. Everybody should have the opportunity to realize their true potential.”

In addition to his donations of treasure, Donlan is also in the habit of giving his talent and time back to JMU. He serves as an advisory board member for the College of Business and is an adjunct in the Department of Business Management. For the past 20 years, Donlan has been a member of at least one advisory board including the Department of Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics, the Department of Business Management and the College of Business Advisory Board. 

“It really makes me happy to be able to give back, and I hope my advice helps a student at some point,” says Donlan. “At the end of the day, if my advice or that of some other board member can help shape what the College of Business is doing, then that is what’s important to me.”

As Donlan assists in shaping the future of the College of Business, he is indirectly lending a hand in shaping the future of his children. Of Michael and Jessica’s three sons, two have so far followed in their parents' shoes.Jack Donlan (‘22) graduated as a CIS major from the College of Business and is now working at Accenture Federal Services as a business process development senior analyst. Their middle child, Chris Donlan, is currently a JMU student and has also chosen to major in Computer Information Systems. Although their youngest son is still in high school, the Donlans hope that he too will decide to attend JMU in a few years. 

Michael Donlan's journey from JMU to a position of leadership in the tech industry – and now to advocating for child safety – illustrates how much impact just one individual can have. Through his work with the Child Rescue Coalition and his support for future generations of JMU students, Donlan not only leaves a lasting legacy, but a resounding impact that will be felt for generations to come. His story is a reminder that true success is measured not just by career achievements, but by the positive difference one makes in the lives of others.