We were deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague and friend, Donna Doss, in February. Donna had been part of the Ulton team since 24 May 1999, beginning her career with the firm in Business Services and going on to play a pivotal role across many areas of the business over the next 26 years.
During her time with Ulton, Donna became known as someone who understood not only the technical side of our work but also the systems, processes, and standards that underpin it. With a background spanning both accounting and information systems, she was uniquely placed to bridge the gap between how our systems worked and how our people used them day-to-day. Over the years she took on responsibility for system administration, training, quality assurance, and the rollout and maintenance of many of the tools we rely on across the firm.
As Ulton grew and evolved, so too did the complexity of our systems and processes. Donna was often the steady hand behind the scenes, overseeing upgrades, maintaining programs, guiding new team members, and ensuring that our compliance and QA standards were upheld. For many across the firm, she was the first person they would turn to when they had a question about systems or procedures.
Donna’s contribution helped shape the way we work today. Her attention to detail, analytical approach, and commitment to doing things properly influenced many of the processes that support our teams and our clients.
Those who worked closely with Donna also saw her resilience and determination. In recent years, she faced significant health challenges, yet continued to approach life and work with a positive, practical outlook that left a lasting impression on many of us.
Outside the office, Donna was a naturally curious person with a wide range of interests. She loved reading, gardening, and building LEGO, and she had a genuine enthusiasm for learning new things and understanding how they worked. That same curiosity and drive to figure things out was something she brought to her work every day.
After more than two decades with the firm, Donna leaves behind a legacy that will be felt across Ulton for many years to come—in the systems she helped implement, the processes she strengthened, and the many colleagues she supported along the way.
Donna was more than a colleague; she was a valued member of our community and a friend to many. Our thoughts are with her husband Brett, and with all those who knew and loved her.
She will be deeply missed.
Donna and her husband, Brett.
For those who would like to learn more about Donna and her story, we'd like to share her team member feature from 2023, which offers a glimpse into her curiosity, interests, and the path that shaped her career at Ulton.