Megan Donnelly

How did you come to PRIME AE?
After graduating with my Masters in Planning, I ended up working as a retail business manager. After a few years I felt the need to for a new adventure and a place to use my experience and education to make a difference in the community. I interviewed with PRIME AE for the Office Assistant position and was hired as a Project Coordinator, and then to Planner and Grant Administrator.

Describe your role and what you do at PRIME AE?
I am a Planner and Grant Administrator working primarily with our clients and our grant funded projects to provide financial and grant administration. A lot of the grant programs have detailed and extensive requirements and communities are already overwhelmed with paperwork, so I help take care of those requirements and keep the projects moving forward. I’ve also been described as wearing many hats here in the office. I am lucky in my role to be able to assist the team on a little bit of everything from office coordinating, project management, providing HR support, and providing the occasional homemade baked goods snacks. Keeps things interesting, and me on my toes!

What do you enjoy and find most rewarding about your job?
I think an important part of any job that everyone shares a common vision and goal. I am fortunate to be surrounded by a dedicated, passionate, and hard-working team who truly care about each client and giving them their best. With so many projects dependent on grant funding, it is rewarding to be a part of making these impactful infrastructure projects happen, and getting to see the positive affects they have on the communities.

If you could do something other than your current job, what would be your dream job/career?
Forensic scientist

What are you most proud of in your life?
Completing my Master’s Degree

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at PRIME AE?
I try to go to as many concerts as I have time for. There are a lot of great venues in Albany and my husband and I like to travel to them as often as we can.

What is your favorite food or the best meal you ever ate?
Hands down, macaroni and cheese.

What makes you smile?
My dog, Ruskin. He is a mini schnauzer and always is doing something crazy or silly that keeps me laughing.

Describe yourself in three words.
Humorous, patient, idealistic

What is your favorite song, movie, actor?
A: I love so much music, picking one song is very tough. Some top favorites would be Brandi Carlile, Bishop Briggs and Gwen Stefani. I also have this problem with movies- I grew up watching endless movies with my dad and I can safely say his influence turned all four of his daughters into Sci-Fi addicts. No favorite movie, but I could watch re-runs of the X-Files and it would never get old.

Where is your favorite travel destination/dream vacation?
My favorite destination so far has been going camping along the Seawall in the Acadia National Park. My dream vacation would be a trip to Costa Rica.