Catapult Seacoast celebrates 5th Anniversary and announces J.T. O’Donnell award recipients

PORTSMOUTH - Catapult, the seacoast’s young professionals network, celebrated its fifth anniversary at The Red Door on State Street this month.

“I am so grateful for all our supporters over the past five years. It is all about community and helping one another in order to be stronger together. Catapult has been fortunate to have strong team members and generous community members who have contributed time, money and resources to help us to reach this anniversary, which is incredibly appreciated,” said Helen Donington, Catapult chairwoman and co-founder.

At the event, Catapult honored Doug Bates, President of the Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, and Renee Riedel-Plummer of Two International Group for their contributions to the organization over the course of the year. 

"Each year we acknowledge someone from the community who goes above and beyond to help further Catapult's mission and vision. Doug and Renee are equally deserving of this award. They have both supported Catapult in many ways and also serve as mentors to young professionals, offering advice and opportunities. They are community-oriented people and their contributions to this organization are appreciated. We wanted to express our gratitude,” Donington said. 

The award is named for career expert J.T. O'Donnell, founder and president of Careerealism.com, who was a key contributor and mentor to Catapult's founders during its first year. O'Donnell received the inaugural award in 2007 and has presented at many of its seminars.

Past recipients of the J.T. O'Donnell Award include Stephen Reno, Executive Director of Leadership New Hampshire and former University System of New Hampshire Chancellor and catalyst for the 55% Initiative, who won in 2008; Craig Davis, Catapult's longest-standing volunteer, who won in 2009; and Jay Childs of JBC Communications in 2010.