meet the team.
Maida Johnson | Partner
Maida founded Catalyst 21 years ago with the idea that big agency capabilities can be delivered by a small agency with the unique ability to create meaningful partnerships with every client. She has more than 30 years of experience in developing and executing successful integrated marketing campaigns. Maida’s knowledge of the technical variables in direct response advertising ensures clients receive the most value with the best results for their marketing dollars. The perspective she acquired as a director of database marketing and direct response advertising brings our clients the advantage of a meaningful understanding of their challenges. Maida manages higher education, technology and financial services accounts.
Maida is a proud alumnus of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and received an MBA with a concentration in marketing from The George Washington University. She serves on the communications committee of the Maryland chapter of JDRF. When not working on the next big idea, she can be found in her kitchen cooking up a storm. Though she hails from Long Island, N.Y., Maida claims to make the world’s best crab cake.
Donna Hennessy | Partner
Donna joined Catalyst as a partner 20 years ago after spending her career on the client side as a marketing director in the high-tech industry. She has over 30 years’ experience developing and managing major national advertising and direct marketing campaigns. An expert in marketing disciplines from strategic planning to corporate communications, Donna excels in integrating messaging across mediums. She manages healthcare, insurance and association accounts.
Donna is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She is the advisory board president for the Howard County Salvation Army, On the board for the non-profit For 3 Sisters and is a proud graduate of Leadership Howard County. When not strategizing the next campaign or attending a board meeting, she enjoys her participation in the Howard County Master Gardeners activities and the quiet sanctuary of her gardens.
