Huntsville, Alabama, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Donna Ragucci is set to retire from the U.S. Department of Treasury after 43 years in public service. Celebrated at a retirement luncheon, Ragucci’s career included significant achievements in small business operations at Treasury. Her legacy includes adding 500 small businesses to the supplier base and inspiring many with her dedication. Post-retirement, she plans to continue her service through nonprofit work.
Huntsville, Alabama – After a distinguished 43-year career in public service, Donna Ragucci is set to retire from her position in the Senior Executive Service at the U.S. Department of Treasury on September 30. A retirement luncheon was held in her honor by longtime friends from the Redstone community, celebrating her remarkable contributions and dedication to public service.
Ragucci’s career began in 1982 as a GS-3 cashier at a commissary on a small military base in Soegel, Germany, where she sought to supplement her husband’s income. Throughout the years, she ascended through various ranks, eventually serving as the executive director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization at the Treasury Department. Her tenure was marked by significant accomplishments, including the addition of 500 new small businesses to Treasury’s supplier base.
Ragucci transitioned to remote work from her home in Huntsville due to the pandemic in March 2020. This change allowed her to balance her professional responsibilities while managing her family’s needs. Her commitment to public service was further inspired by her husband, Patluke Ragucci, a retired military sergeant, and her family consisting of four sons, 15 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Career Highlights
Ragucci’s diverse career spans various roles and agencies, including positions at the Space and Missile Defense Command, Army Materiel Command’s Inspector General Office, and Army Contracting Command. She began her educational journey while working, culminating in an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a doctorate. In 2018, she was appointed to a Senior Executive Service position within the Treasury Department after serving in the AMCOM Small Business Office.
During her leadership, her office achieved significant recognition, with the Department of Homeland Security identifying her department as the Champion for Small Business in 2023. Furthermore, in 2024, Congress and the Small Business Administration ranked the Treasury as the top federal agency in meeting small business goals, highlighting Ragucci’s impactful contributions.
Following her retirement, Ragucci plans to continue her commitment to public service by working for a nonprofit organization. Currently recovering from a knee injury, she looks forward to utilizing her skills and experience in new areas of service.
Retirement Celebration
Approximately 30 colleagues and friends attended Ragucci’s retirement luncheon at an Italian restaurant in Madison, Alabama. Among those present were former members of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Community, which had met until 2018. The event was organized by Demy Robley, who praised Ragucci for her remarkable leadership and thoughtful character.
Background
Ragucci’s journey is a testament to her resilience and dedication. Arriving in Redstone in 1985, she transitioned from cashiering to becoming a GS-7 intern in acquisition contracting at the Corps of Engineers. Her unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth led her to attain various roles and accolades throughout her career. Today, she stands as a role model for aspiring public servants.
Impact on Small Businesses
Ragucci’s leadership not only enhanced Treasury’s operations but also significantly impacted small businesses nationwide. Her efforts to prioritize small and disadvantaged businesses have been widely recognized, and her work has contributed to the U.S. economy by creating opportunities for diverse suppliers in government contracting.
Conclusion
As Donna Ragucci prepares for her retirement, her legacy in public service remains remarkable. Her journey from a GS-3 cashier in Germany to a Senior Executive Service leader exemplifies dedication and passion for helping others. The retirement luncheon was a heartfelt tribute to her achievements, with her contributions to public service sure to be felt for many years to come.
FAQs
1. When is Donna Ragucci’s retirement date?
Donna Ragucci will retire on September 30.
2. What roles did Ragucci hold during her career?
She held positions in various military and governmental agencies, eventually becoming the executive director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization at the U.S. Department of Treasury.
3. What significant achievements did Ragucci accomplish at the Treasury Department?
Under her leadership, the office added 500 new small businesses to Treasury’s supplier base and was recognized as the Champion for Small Business by the Department of Homeland Security.
4. What does Ragucci plan to do after retirement?
She plans to work for a nonprofit organization, continuing her commitment to public service.
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Additional Resources
- The Redstone Rocket: Donna Ragucci’s retirement
- Wikipedia: Public service
- The Redstone Rocket: Retirement Celebration
- Google Search: Small Business Utilization
- The Redstone Rocket: Impact on Small Businesses
- Google Scholar: Public Service Achievements
- The Redstone Rocket: Career Highlights
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retirement
- The Redstone Rocket: Conclusion on Ragucci’s Legacy
- Google News: Donna Ragucci
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
