by Brittany Reese
At the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, we aim to foster collaborative problem solving, respectful dialogue, and a diversity of opinion to drive positive change and create lasting impact. This guiding principle is what we call the Rockefeller Ethic.
Our team brings this mission to life by embracing five Core Values in their daily work:
- Believe the Mission
- See the Possibilities
- Focus on We, not Me
- Do the Right Thing
- Have Fun!
Each quarter, employees nominate their coworkers for Core Value Awards. Out of those who win an Award, senior leadership chooses one each year for the Legacy Award — a title given to an employee who is believed to have best lived out the five Core Values and the Rockefeller Ethic over the last fiscal year. For 2023, that employee is LaDonna Cole.
“The entire Institute has been going through a lot of changes, specifically regarding the implementation of Microsoft 365,” read one nomination. “We also started the Salesforce project last May, and throughout all this, LaDonna Cole has been a bright, supportive light.”
LaDonna, who has worked as our controller for more than a decade, said it’s an honor to win the Legacy Award.
She explained that receiving the Legacy Award makes her feel like she has made an imprint in life and that working with others at the Institute has helped her grow.
“I have grown here because of others’ influence,” she said. “Leaving a legacy is a blessing.”
From Temp to 28 Years of Service
LaDonna began her 28-year journey atop Petit Jean Mountain by accepting a three-day temporary job at Winrock International. Later, a full-time accounts payable position became available, and LaDonna applied. The rest is history.
After the first few years, LaDonna wanted to try something new. She accepted an administrative assistant position in the maintenance department, where she spent five enjoyable years with our maintenance crew.
“When that time ended, we were in a transition,” she said. “Winrock International was moving to Little Rock, and the transition of these facilities becoming the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute was happening.”
During the transition, LaDonna briefly became the executive director’s administrative assistant and then later advanced into other accounting roles. As controller, LaDonna oversees accounting operations such as daily entries and fielding questions about coding. A vital part of her job involves month-end closing, where she verifies that work is appropriately booked in the financial system. LaDonna also ensures that payroll from the bank account is posted correctly in the accounting system and works closely with the programs department, assisting with grants.
She loves her job because there is always something different to do.
“It’s always something to solve, like a puzzle,” LaDonna said, adding that her job is like playing detective.
The Institute’s Legacy and Her Own
LaDonna is proud of the leadership and mission, explaining that the trajectory will keep going upward.
“The Institute will always be here, and we’ll always believe in its imprint on the state, county, and people,” she said. “But when you get the opportunity to leave your imprint, it’s amazing.”
She also noted that learning more about Governor Rockefeller’s life revealed that his family name was not his primary motivator. Instead, it was his deep care for people and the state, his dedication to helping others, and his embodying the spirit of service.
“I’m proud to be a part of that,” LaDonna said. “At the end of the day, it’s about the people. Without the people, that couldn’t happen; the mission couldn’t happen.”
LaDonna believes in the importance of our mission because it helps solve problems and brings people together.
As for her own legacy, she wants people to remember she’s a Christian and cares about and loves people. She also wants people to know that she puts people first.
Life Outside of Work
LaDonna recently finished her MBA program at Henderson State University. She mentioned that she learned a lot during the program through leadership, ethics, and strategic planning classes. When discussing her MBA program, LaDonna mentioned her focus hasn’t been on advancing or changing her career.
“It was always just for me to do it for myself,” she said.
When she’s not at work, LaDonna spends a lot of time with her family and at church. She and her husband, Blake, love to travel. LaDonna would love to revisit England; her ultimate dream is to visit Israel.
She and Blake enjoy watching British crime dramas and baking shows. LaDonna also enjoys watching Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot series.
