DE222 Honoree: Donna Vieira

Title: Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer

Donna Vieira 

Workplace: Sallie Mae

Alma Maters: Pace University, Mount Allison University

Boards: Delaware Plans Management Board, Choice Hotels Board of Directors

Q&A: Best advice for your younger self? “Be bold and excellent in all that you do.”

As executive vice president and chief commercial officer for student loan giant Sallie Mae, Donna Vieira is among the highest ranking and most visible executives at its Newark headquarters. She’s responsible for the company’s top-line revenue growth and creating an integrated digital experience across the enterprise. Her career has also seen executive-level roles at JPMorgan Chase and American Express, helping to drive customer acquisition. Her expertise led Gov. John Carney to appoint her to the state’s Plans Management Board, which oversees investments for tens of thousands of families in savings and retirement plans.