A lifelong resident of Gulfport, MS, Donna brings a profound love for her community and a steadfast commitment to helping others find their dream homes and ideal business locations. With a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Southern Mississippi, Donna launched her career in banking, ascending from Branch Manager to Vice President over a 15-year tenure. Her extensive experience included leading Hancock Bank's Construction Division post-Hurricane Katrina, where she collaborated with developers, builders, and borrowers to drive recovery and growth along the Coast. Later, as the manager of Hancock Whitney Bank's Private Banking Division, Donna oversaw teams across four states. Her leadership, expertise, and dedication left a lasting impact. Inspired by her mother, Joan Cravens, a homebuilder with over 40 years of experience, Donna eventually transitioned to real estate full-time. She partnered with her family’s construction business, embracing her lifelong passion for homebuilding, renovation, and the art of transforming spaces. Growing up on job sites instilled in Donna a relentless work ethic and a deep appreciation for quality craftsmanship. Donna’s love for real estate stems from a genuine desire to help others achieve their goals. Whether working with first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, or local businesses, Donna combines industry expertise with a heartfelt commitment to her clients’ success. Her strong ties to the Gulf Coast community further fuel her dedication to enhancing the region she proudly calls home. When she’s not immersed in real estate, Donna cherishes time with her family and friends. She has a deep love for Mardi Gras and enjoys participating in its festive traditions, along with boating, fishing, and exploring the beautiful waters of the Gulf and Orange Beach. A devoted wife to David Machado and proud mother to daughters Savannah and Addison, Donna is also an active member of St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport, where she finds joy and inspiration in her faith.
