Laundry List of Honors Proves GreatAmerica Difference Maker Hannah O’Donnell is Still Going Places

Hannah O’Donnell

Hannah O’Donnell was practically in a trance as she approached the stage during GreatAmerica Financial Service’s annual awards banquet. Her name had just been called as the organization’s Rookie of the Year—given to outstanding new employees for their exceptional first-year performance—and the then-22-year-old was practically floating toward the stage.

That’s not to say O’Donnell didn’t have her wits about her. When asked on stage if she knew where she was going, she quipped “Back to my seat?” While technically true, O’Donnell returned with the promise of an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas. It was surreal and a harbinger of the rewards that awaited O’Donnell if she continued to dedicate herself to maintaining that exceptional performance level.

“It validated that I was at a company that recognized all the hard work and dedication I put in and motivated me to continue striving for excellence,” said O’Donnell, a 2025 ENX Magazine Difference Maker.

She embraces a three-pronged business approach consisting of collaboration, strategic thinking and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction. O’Donnell empowers her team to realize its potential and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

“By working together and leveraging our diverse strengths, we can deliver innovative solutions and exceed customer expectations,” she said. “This approach has allowed me to build strong relationships with customers and team members, making a significant impact on the business.”

Different Purpose

O’Donnell made first contact with GreatAmerica at a job fair during her senior year at the University of Iowa. With degrees in management information systems and marketing, she appeared to be a good fit as a tier one helpdesk technician and applied for that gig. Upon interviewing with GreatAmerica, however, her future boss (Lindsay Leahy) envisioned O’Donnell thriving in sales. Leahy created a position for her at Collabrance, the managed IT platform and now-former GreatAmerica subsidiary, where she could help dealers and managed service providers exploit technology for the betterment of business processes and improved customer engagement.

She quickly progressed within the organization, assuming a role in the company’s largest business unit: office technology. O’Donnell has also returned to the stage several times, so to speak, having been named a 2020 ChannelChanger Award recipient by the Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA), as well as a three-time CRN Women of the Channel honoree. The accolades list has grown to include one of The Cannata Report’s 2021 People to Watch and a 2025 Global Technology Industry Association Community Member of the Year finalist.

As mentors go, O’Donnell had the good fortune of gleaning knowledge from one of the industry’s most celebrated personalities, Jennie Fisher, group president of GreatAmerica’s office technology unit. She praises Fisher as a guiding force and source of inspiration, whose positive reinforcement has prompted O’Donnell to keep striving to find her better self professionally.

Fisher is also noted for her role in advocating for women within the office technology realm. Her commitment to supporting and mentoring has been a beacon of inspiration and a motivator for women to carve out their own leadership niche, O’Donnell noted, setting the tone for future generations.

“Jennie’s open communication and willingness to provide input have been invaluable,” O’Donnell said. “Whether it’s discussing priorities for customer needs or offering insights during planning sessions, Jennie has always been approachable and supportive. Her ability to ask the right questions and provide thoughtful feedback has helped me grow as a leader and navigate complex challenges.”

High Achievers

It will be difficult to replicate the level of success O’Donnell’s team enjoyed in 2024. She saw 80% of her team members achieve more than 100% of their annual goals, which she felt was a testament to the team’s dedication, resilience and hard work. This also led to O’Donnell being recognized in the Winner’s Circle at GreatAmerica for meeting or exceeding sales goals.

As 2025 approaches the midway point, O’Donnell’s goals are centered on expanding her leadership skills and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the team. She’s also passionate about bolstering customer engagement strategies and exploring new opportunities for growth and development.

“Understanding and meeting the needs of our customers is at the heart of what we do,” O’Donnell added. “I plan to explore innovative ways to connect with our customers, gather valuable feedback and deliver exceptional value. By deepening our customer relationships, we can drive loyalty and long-term success.”

Continuous professional development and peer feedback are among the keys for O’Donnell to elevate her game. Industry interactions, including conference and educational resources, will help her stay current with trends, while training and mentorship opportunities will help spark professional growth.

“By embracing continuous learning and adaptation, I can better lead my team and drive our organization towards success,” she noted. “This commitment to growth and excellence will enable us to achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact in the office technology industry.”

New Addition

The excitement surrounding growth extends to the O’Donnell household as well. She and husband Ryan are expecting their second child next month, a sibling to join 2-year-old Ruth—who, like her mother, has personality traits that include boundless energy and a tendency to be curious, silly and just a little bossy. Outdoor activities are most cherished, including biking and exploring local farmers markets. The O’Donnells boast a large brood, and they all enjoy spending time at the parents’ lake house near Madison, Wisconsin. She also dedicates free time to the GTIA’s North America council, which helps advance the industry.

“Balancing family and professional responsibilities can be challenging, but it is incredibly rewarding,” O’Donnell added. “My family keeps me grounded and motivated, while my work fuels my passion for innovation and leadership. Together, they make my life fulfilling and dynamic, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Erik Cagle
About the Author
Erik Cagle is the editorial director of ENX Magazine. He is an author, writer and editor who spent 18 years covering the commercial printing industry.