Meet Maura Donahue, Ph.D.

Certified Executive Coach

I know the pressures you face.

Tight budgets, staffing challenges, and constant demands: I’ve lived it. After 25 years working in higher education, including serving as Vice President for Finance and Administration at a private institution, I know how quickly overwhelm can take the place of focus. I know what it feels like to carry the heavy weight of institutional financial responsibility and the many challenges facing higher education.

Now, as a certified executive coach, I’m on a mission to empower leaders to elevate their impact and achieve the goals that matter most to them and their institutions. Confidential coaching gives my clients the space to pause, reflect, and reclaim clarity so they can lead with confidence and purpose.

About Maura

I’ve spent decades working in higher education finance and administration, and I know what it’s like to sit in your seat. I’ve been a VPFA and a faculty member. My educational training spans from business (Ph.D. in Finance and an MBA) to the humanities (M.A. in Theological Studies) and includes professional certifications as an executive coach and career coach. I’m an active member of the International Coaching Federation and a business partner with EACUBO and CACUBO.

I offer compassionate coaching grounded in a rare combination of financial expertise, deep experience in higher education, and trusted certifications so you feel supported, equipped, and empowered to lead.

I love learning and growing, and I love coaching leaders who want to create meaningful change in themselves, their teams, and their campuses. As a coach, I am privileged to be a thought partner for these clients, asking the questions that help them pause, reflect, and see new possibilities. Coaching sparks growth, confidence, and results that last.

Are you Ready? Let’s Work Together

The River Heights Solutions Story

I founded River Heights Solutions, LLC in 2024, because I saw too many talented higher education leaders sidelined by overwhelm. My joy comes from walking alongside leaders as they work through challenges, elevate their impact, and flourish in all aspects of their lives.

Higher education is facing enormous challenges, and the people at the center of it deserve trusted support. When leaders prioritize reflecting with a confidential thought-partner, they improve their institutional impact and their renewed sense of purpose affects all areas of their lives. That’s the flourishing effect I want you to experience.