Donna Brangaccio, chief operating officer and senior vice president of operations at McLaren Engineering Group, recently accepted a Tribute to Women of INfluence award from the YWCA Northern New Jersey. — Courtesy: McLaren Engineering Group
By Joshua Burd
The YWCA’s Northern New Jersey chapter has recognized a top executive at McLaren Engineering Group, citing her success in her field and contributions to her community.
The Woodcliff Lake-based consulting firm announced that Donna Brangaccio, its chief operating officer, was honored with a Tribute to Women of INfluence award, or TWIN award, at the organization’s empowerment event last week. She was among nine TWIN honorees at the Dec. 4 event, where more than 30 McLaren staff members and company leaders were on hand to show their support.
“During her 25-year career with the firm, Donna has helped McLaren grow into an industry leader in the competitive AEC landscape,” said Malcolm G. McLaren, CEO of McLaren Engineering Group. “She has always inspired us to push further, achieve more and has enabled us to cultivate a culture of success.”
Brangaccio, who is also the firm’s senior vice president of operations, began working for McLaren in 1994 as a staff accountant. She now oversees operations for a practice that has engineered more than 15,000 projects worldwide, along with financial performance and safety for more than 250 employees across 11 locations and seven technical divisions.
Brangaccio is also a member of McLaren’s Women’s Leadership Committee, 401k Advisory Committee, Procedures Committee, Employee Stock Ownership Plan Fiduciary Committee and is the ESOP Communications Committee Management liaison.
“Donna’s dedication, coupled with her creative vision and knowledge, make her an inspiring leader,” said Jeremy Billig, president, McLaren Engineering Group. “She has been influential in McLaren’s growth, as well as shaping our firm’s values and culture. This award is well deserved, and we are excited to celebrate her achievements.”
The TWIN award recognizes women of achievement who have excelled in their fields and made significant contributions to their organizations and communities, according to a news release. Outside the office, Brangaccio serves as an elected school district council representative in Clarkstown, New York, providing leadership training and promoting cooperation between the community and administration.
“It is an honor to be named a ‘Woman of INfluence’ alongside these inspiring female leaders from across northern New Jersey,” Brangaccio said. “I think women should be confident, and above all, we should be tireless in our pursuits professionally and personally. I think there is time, space and energy for all of it. I am grateful that McLaren places an importance on enabling its employees to thrive on all fronts.”
Established by YWCA Northern New Jersey in 1975, TWIN gives businesses and organizations an opportunity to honor their highest-achieving women, the news release said. The organization’s annual event reflects the YWCA’s overall mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
“Much about our world and women’s place in it has changed, but women still grapple with issues of equal pay, equal opportunities and work-life balance,” said YWCA Northern New Jersey CEO Helen Archontou. “The heart of TWIN remains to honor women of achievement and celebrate organizations that create cultures in which women can thrive.”
