At Donaldson, the Operational Support Team plays a critical, though often behind-the-scenes, role in keeping the company moving forward. This quarter, the spotlight shines on three remarkable professionals: Vera VanKeuren, Senior Executive Assistant; Bridgette Paiva, Property Management Operations Analyst; and Nella Taylor, Senior Administrative Assistant.
Though their responsibilities differ greatly, they are united in the dedication, problem-solving, and heart they each bring to their work, together strengthening the fabric of Donaldson.
Vera VanKeuren – Senior Executive Assistant
Vera joined Donaldson in 2008 and has been a steady presence for over 16 years. With a career shaped by her small-town Midwest upbringing and time in the U.S. Army, she has built a reputation for discipline, reliability, and unwavering commitment.
Her role is as wide-ranging as it is essential: overseeing due diligence, supporting financial analysis, setting up systems access, coordinating annual meetings, and assisting with refinancing projects. Vera thrives in a tag-team rhythm with her colleagues, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks.
For Vera, what stands out most at Donaldson is the supportive environment:
“They welcomed me on day one when I first started and they have never wavered in supporting me.”
She recalls a favorite memory walking the Susan G. Komen event with colleagues, where Donaldson’s leadership shouted her out by name to introduce her to people. When asked who she would like to recognize, Vera gave a heartfelt shoutout to Donaldson President Scott Altman and Executive VP Scott Jones. “They have faith in my abilities and are always willing to assist when needed,” shares Vera.
Her guiding mantra is simple but powerful: “Make it count and always put my best foot forward.”
Bridgette Paiva – Property Management Operations Analyst
Bridgette has been with Donaldson for nearly 14 years, but her property management journey began even earlier. Fresh out of high school, she took a chance on a leasing position and immediately found her calling. Since then, she has worked across multiple organizations and sites, including military housing, before reconnecting with longtime mentor SVP of Property Management Misti Mitchell, who recruited her to Donaldson.
In her current role, Bridgette is the go-to problem solver who steps in wherever the need is greatest: supporting property teams, assisting executives, conducting training, or even filling in at sites when staffing is thin. Her ability to wear many hats ensures operations keep moving smoothly.
What she values most is the family atmosphere at Donaldson. Bridgette reflects, “Being able to assist all team members, from site level to executives, is what I love most about my work here.”
She has also carried forward an important lesson from teammates: “Recognizing small wins can build big momentum.”
When asked for a shoutout, Bridgette credited Misti Mitchell: “No matter how hectic things get, she consistently supports the team and makes sure nothing falls through the cracks. I wouldn’t have the knowledge I have today without her mentorship.”
Her advice for success: “Be able to wear many hats and multitask.”
Nella Taylor – Senior Administrative Assistant
For Nella, joining Donaldson was a turning point. After experience in customer service, education, and property-level operations, she took a leap into corporate support and has now been with Donaldson for more than a decade. She recalls vividly the day she got her call from HR and has been grateful for the opportunity ever since.
Her role touches nearly every corner of the company: lender reporting, administrative coordination, assisting with financial packages, and stepping in at properties when needed. She loves the variety and the chance to support so many different departments.
What makes the role meaningful for her is both the flexibility and the culture of compassion that Donaldson provides. “When the pandemic hit, I worried how I’d keep up with my mortgage. But then Donaldson sent us laptops so we could keep working from home. I’ll never forget that moment. It gave me such a feeling of gratitude and peace.”
Nella also admires her supervisor, Vera, whom she considers a role model:
“Vera is a backbone of the company. Her work is clean, professional, and consistent. She is always willing to help, whether it’s an executive or a teammate. I admire her and I am so grateful for her.”
Nella’s philosophy is rooted in integrity: “Do your job well, and don’t worry about what others do or don’t do.”
A Team that Defines Support
While Vera, Bridgette, and Nella have distinct responsibilities, together they exemplify Donaldson’s culture of professionalism, adaptability, and care. Each ensures that leaders, properties, and residents are supported in ways both visible and unseen.
Their stories remind us that operational support is not just about tasks. It’s about uplifting people, persevering through challenges, and taking pride in excellence that elevates the whole company.