BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CAROL O’DONNELL
Commerce Corporation Board Member
Carol O’Donnell owns and operates three successful small businesses in the construction industry. Founding CRM Modular Homes, now a well-known home builder based in Johnston, in 1989, Carol expanded into remodeling and property management in 2009 with Emerald Re-Construction and Emmy LLC.
Carol became an inspiration for women to enter the traditionally male-dominated construction industry. She has earned many leadership roles, with terms served on the International Code Council, as Vice Chair of the Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration Board, Rhode Island Lead Licensing, and the Fire Safety Code Board of Appeal and Review.
In the construction industry, Carol has served an unprecedented three terms as President of the Rhode Island Builders Association (RIBA). While President and Board Chair, Carol provided the direction and leadership RIBA needed through complex issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, statewide permitting process reforms, new wetlands regulations, environmental reforms, innovative industry training programs, and minority outreach initiatives.
Carol also has served as President of the Professional Women in Building Council, and Regional President of the National Association of Women in Construction.
Active in the community, Carol has been YMCA Coordinator for Rosie’s Girls, and builds for Habitat for Humanity in South County, as well as participating in other local educational and community-oriented initiatives.
As the winner of the Extraordinary Women Award, a successful executive, small business owner and strong economic advocate for her industry, Carol brings a balancing, innovated and intuitive perspective to the Rhode Island Commerce Board.
