“I like to consult on changing laws and policies and procedures for government and corporations,” said Doña Keating, president and CEO of Professional Options, which has offices in Gig Harbor and downtown Seattle.

Keating addresses business and management consulting, the environment, community and economic development, public policy, advocacy, marketing, advertising, communications and information technology.

“I like to restructure businesses, helping them to make more money, be more efficient, and improve their product line or management,” she said.

Keating has been involved in policies and politics since age 19. She campaigned for presidents and congressmen. She helped draft legislation regarding the environment, labor and banking law. She worked 11 years in the legal profession.

She opened her company in 1995, relocating to this area in Dec. 1996.

Keating is also the president and chairman of the board of the West Sound Technology Professionals Association (WSTPA). Under WSTPA, she spearheaded the First Annual Western Washington Summit on Technology and Economic Development Entrepreneurship, held in Poulsbo. She is assisting collaboration with the Kitsap Regional Economic Development Council’s Telecommunications Committee.

“My greatest challenge in this area is effecting policy and educating people to what policy will mean — beyond what they think it will mean,” Keating said. “Some people look at the laws regarding telecommunications and think that some changes would unfairly impact or give advantage to someone. Most policies level the playing field. Some people review policies in their worst-possible effect.”

“In addition, we are challenged by the perception of the quality of educated people who live here” she said. “Because people come to experience quality of life here, it does not mean that they are uneducated or have no international level of expertise. So few people here find a job that they like or want. Good jobs are inundated with applicants.”

Keating’s high energy keeps her personal and work life in balance.