Ed Donakey

Trailblazer
DISC Type : ID

Member Board of Directors at Asearis

Orem, Utah, United States

Overview

Ed Donakey is the Vice President of Strategic Relations and Deputy Chief Genealogical Officer at FamilySearch. He leverages his extensive background in business and technology to foster strategic partnerships and support the global genealogical community. People often describe him as a visionary, strategic, articulate leader and mentor. He earned his BA from Brigham Young University.

Ed is deeply passionate about community development, particularly within the genealogical field. He serves on the boards of several non-profits, including the National Genealogical Society and the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies. His early teen years were spent in Malta, where he developed a close bond with his father.

He has served on the boards of a diverse range of organizations, from the Federation of Genealogical Societies to cloud solution provider Asearis and the non-profit Kids on the Move.

Personality Overview

Values Relationships

Charismatic

Assertive

They are charming and can persuade others to support their decisions.  If they come to believe in your value proposition, they will be your champion. They are not against taking risks and can make tough decisions when required.


Topics They Care About

Genealogy Technology
As a key executive at FamilySearch, he focuses on providing technology solutions and acquiring genealogical data to support the community's research efforts.
Non-Profit Governance
Sits on the boards of the National Genealogical Society and the IAJGS, where he has chaired the Audit Committee and served as VP of Development.
Strategic Partnerships
His role at FamilySearch involves developing executive relationships and negotiating with external business partners and technology vendors to advance the organization's mission.

Media Appearances

Ed has no verified media appearances

Work History

6-2025
Member Board of Directors at Asearis
9-2023
Member Board of Directors at International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies
11-2004
Vice President, Strategic Relations and Deputy Chief Genealogical Officer at FamilySearch
1-2003
Founder and General Manager at ManagingU
10-2020
Member Board of Directors at National Genealogical Society (NGS)

Education

1984 - 1987
BA from Brigham Young University
1976 - 1977
International and Intercultural Communication from Verdala International School, Malta

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 23 Location : Orem, Utah, United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : Member Board of Directors at Asearis
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Insights For Selling To Ed

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Address your competition clearly and confidently
  • Keep your pitch focused on the impact but nurture the relationship too
  • Use phrases like ‘your decision will’, ‘you will impact’ etc.

DONT's

  • Avoid unnecessary negativity or slowness
  • Don’t force involvement of other stakeholders unless it is critical
  • Don’t hesitate from asking them how they truly feel about your product

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Ed is

  • Relationship and product conviction matter equally, followed by a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Ed

  • If they are not convinced, they will say no though in a friendly way.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Ed move?

  • If you earn their trust and they develop faith in the product, they can make decisions quickly.
  • Can Ed take some risk or not?

  • If necessary, they will be ready to take risks.

You And Ed

Personality Compatibility


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