Donna Speciale is president of Turner Broadcasting Ad Sales, overseeing advertising revenue for Turner’s domestic television and digital entertainment, news, kids and young adult brands. Based in New York, Speciale reports to David Levy, president of Turner Broadcasting.
Donna is one of this year’s Reisenbach Distinguished Citizenship Award Honorees and we caught up with her recently to talk about her career and favorite things about NYC.
Who/what inspired you to get into media/advertising?
My Dad. He was in the media business so I grew up being part of that life. I even played on his agency softball league. I interned at Leonard/Monahan in Providence in college, and I ended up getting hired there when I graduated. I was hooked on media and advertising early on.
How did you first hear about the Reisenbach Foundation?
Jon Mandel, my boss at Mediacom, was very good friends with John Reisenbach. When John passed away, Jon and John’s father Sandy Reisenbach created the Foundation with John’s friends and business colleagues. I knew Sandy well – he was our Warner Brothers client. The Reisenbach Foundation is a terrific cause and I am proud to be associated with it.
Fave 5:
What’s your favorite NYC neighborhood and why?
I love the neighborhood feel and the great restaurants in Tribeca. I hope to live there some day.
Favorite NYC restaurant?
I like The Lion in the West Village (West 9th Street). I know the proprietor and executive chef John DeLucie â fantastic food and great ambiance.
Favorite NYC coffee spot?
Bouchon Bakery in Time Warner Center, an office hot spot.
Favorite NYC season?
I would say spring – time to start running in the Park!
Favorite thing to do in NYC?
Sunday brunch in the city and running over the Brooklyn Bridge.
