Kevin Donnay celebrated his 39-year-long career in architecture with family, friends, coworkers, and clients at a February 2, 2022, retirement party. Kevin joined Widseth through the firm’s acquisition of Meyer Donnay Architects in 1996, and he wrote his final chapter as the firm’s president from 2013 through 2021. Through the years, Kevin saw many changes at Widseth. He respected the firm’s distinguished history while being mindful of its necessary evolution.
Kevin oversaw several initiatives that strengthened the firm, including opening new offices in Forest Lake (recently relocated to Wyoming) and Mankato, MN; acquiring an aerial mapping firm that has added new service lines to Widseth’s array of disciplines; rebranding and updating Widseth’s corporate identity; and overhauling the firm’s strategic planning process. Kevin’s focus on employee engagement is reflected in Widseth’s being named one of Prairie Business magazine’s 50 Best Places to Work three years in a row—an honor that is based entirely on employee nominations. Chief among Kevin's executive achievements was steering the firm through the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic. While Widseth suffered losses during this time period—business and personal—Kevin facilitated the firm’s COVID Response Team while displaying his characteristic grace and even-keeled approach to the unpredictable economy, workforce, guidelines, and Executive Orders.
What’s the next chapter for Kevin? He and his wife Nancy love to travel and will be spending more time with family. Kevin’s other passion is his wood shop, and he will try to keep up with the ever-growing list of projects. He will remain tapped into the community through his considerable involvements in professional and service organizations and membership on the boards of directors for multiple non-profits.
As Kevin makes this transition, he has said that it is “bittersweet having to say good-bye to so many amazing co-workers and clients, who in most cases have become my friends!” We at Widseth could not agree more. But after 39 years in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, some focused downtime is well deserved, and we wish you well.