Associate Commissioner Donahue started his career as a Correction Officer, later becoming a Correction Counselor. As he moved up in his career he became the Regional Mental Health Program Specialist II, where he acted as a liaison between DOCCS and the Office of Mental Health.
Throughout his service to DOCCS he served as Assistant Deputy Superintendent for Mental Health Programs at Attica Correctional Facility, Deputy Superintendent for Mental Health at Marcy Correctional Facility then First Deputy Superintendent at Auburn Correctional Facility.
James Donahue was named the Associate Commissioner of Mental Health, effective May 2023. Prior to that he served as the Superintendent for Elmira Correctional Facility.
