Mr. Donovan graduated from St. Francis Preparatory High School before attending St. John's University, where he majored in business management. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. As a member of the 8th Marine Regiment, Mr. Donovan was an influencing force in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The tenacity, courage and determination he displayed while in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait awarded him a Combat Action Ribbon.
Mr. Donovan's dedication to serve and protect continued with almost a decade of service as a New York City police officer. In 1997, he turned to real estate and gained valuable experience as a title closer. From there he built relationships and implemented his capabilities into the sale of investment properties.
In 1998, Mr. Donovan joined Massey Knakal to head up the firm's first full-service outer borough office. The office, which opened in February 1999, has gone from a two-person start-up to a flourishing establishment more than 10 times its original size. Mr. Donovan was awarded the Salesman of the Year Award from Massey Knakal in 2000, 2001 and 2008. He was also honored in those years with the award for Outstanding Business Development and Goodwill Promotion. In 2005, Mr. Donovan was named to the prestigious Crain's New York Business' 40 Under 40 list for his outstanding achievement in the New York City business community. For four consecutive years (2009-2012), Mr. Donovan was the recipient of the Harry Macklowe Award for Salesperson of the Year in Queens. He has also received the second place (2009) and third place (2010) Company-Wide Salesperson of the Year awards. Additionally, CoStar Group named Mr. Donovan a Top Sales Broker for Queens/Long Island in 2008 - 2011.
Mr. Donovan’s personal philanthropic efforts are numerous. He was appointed to the Board of Directors for the William H. Casey Foundation in June 2002; is on the Associate Board for the Parker Jewish Institute For Health Care and Rehabilitation; is a member of the VFW Catholic War Veterans; and is a member of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, a non-profit organization in New York City committed to fostering an appreciation of Italian-American heritage and achievement. In 2008, Mr. Donovan accepted a position on the Board of Directors for The Brain Tumor Foundation. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the Varadi Ovarian Institute for Cancer Education (VOICE).
Mr. Donovan is an avid world traveler and a cigar aficionado. Born and raised in Queens, he currently resides in Manhattan. He can be reached at 718-512-2626.