Born in New York and raised in the Mid-Hudson Valley, Laura’s roots run deep, fueling her passion for lifting up her community. Entrusted with guiding hundreds of households across 20+ states, she crafts personalized financial roadmaps that reflect each client’s unique dreams and challenges. Her knack for building trust nationwide speaks volumes about her dedication and connection with those she serves.

About Laura

A proud Mount Holyoke College alumna, Laura honed her leadership and service-driven spirit on campus. Her career is a tapestry of creativity and impact - spanning roles as a proud theater director on local shows, adjunct theatre professor, and nonprofit advocate driving state-wide change through legislation. These experiences sharpened her ability to think outside the box and tackle complex problems, skills she now channels into her career.

Beyond finance, Laura co-founded the Diaper Bank of Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan, a heartfelt initiative supplying baby essentials to Hudson Valley families in need - a testament to her commitment to easing financial burdens at every level.

Living in Marlborough, NY, with her husband, Eddie Monroy, and their charming Standard Poodle, Paddington, she remains a tireless community advocate, always seeking ways to give back & build community.

Laura Donovan earned a degree from Mount Holyoke College. She is married.

Donovan, who is a financial advisor and founder of Sonder Financial, will appear on the Democratic, Independent, Common Ground, and Working Families ballot lines.

Laura Donovan (Provided)

She is a lifelong Hudson Valley resident and a four-year Milton resident. She graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in 2009 and earned a degree from Mount Holyoke College.

Election 2025: Ulster legislator Thomas Corcoran Jr. faces Laura Donovan in District 11

Election 2025: Ulster Legislator Thomas Corcoran Jr. faces Laura ...

Laura has experience as a theater director, adjunct theatre professor, and nonprofit advocate.

Laura Donovan represents District 11 in the Ulster County Legislature, serving the communities of Milton and Marlboro. A lifelong advocate for families and community well-being, she brings a decade of experience in financial planning, small-business engagement, and nonprofit leadership to her role in county government. As a County Legislator, Laura is focused on affordability, infrastructure, economic development, veteran services and strengthening county services to better meet the needs of residents.

Laura Donovan - The Ulster County Legislature

Laura represents District 11 in the Ulster County Legislature.

2026 New York General Election

Supporters gathered at Nostrano Vineyards in Milton for the campaign launch. Laura detailed recent accomplishments including her sponsorship of a gasoline/diesel county sales tax cap saving residents $725,000 and increasing sales tax dollars going to Marlborough and Ulster County Towns and Villages to help them with increasing costs.

Laura Donovan for Ulster County Legislator

Ulster County, New York, will see a temporary gas tax holiday this summer. The county legislature voted 21-2 on Tuesday (April 21) to waive the 4% sales tax on gas and diesel prices above $3 per gallon from June 1 through August 31. This move aims to provide financial relief to motorists during the summer travel season.

Gas Tax Holiday Passed In Ulster County | iHeartMedia Hudson Valley

The current average gas price in Ulster County is $4.01 per gallon, according to Daily Freeman. Legislator Laura Donovan, who introduced the measure, stated that the waiver could result in a combined savings of $725,000 for county motorists. However, some lawmakers, like Abe Uchitelle, expressed concerns about whether the savings would be passed on to consumers.

Sponsored a temporary county sales-tax waiver for gasoline and diesel priced above $3 per gallon, projected to save motorists $725,000.

- Sponsored a temporary county sales-tax waiver for gasoline and diesel priced above $3 per gallon, projected to save motorists $725,000.

Economy

As of October 22, 2026, Laura Donovan’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Public Services

Among her top priorities, Donovan said, is housing affordability and smart growth.

“Housing costs have risen sharply, making it difficult for our working families, our seniors, and our young people to stay in our community,” Donovan said. “I would support responsible development that includes affordable units, push for independent reviews of large projects to ensure taxpayers across the county aren’t subsidizing luxury housing, and prioritize mixed-use development that brings both jobs and housing.

She also wants to support volunteer firefighters and emergency services.

Prioritizes mixed-use development that brings both jobs and housing.

- Prioritizes mixed-use development that brings both jobs and housing.

Housing & Urban Development

“I would support responsible development that includes affordable units, push for independent reviews of large projects to ensure taxpayers across the county aren’t subsidizing luxury housing, and prioritize mixed-use development that brings both jobs and housing.

She also wants to support volunteer firefighters and emergency services.

“I will advocate for funding at the county level, work closely with local departments to identify needs, and support policies that help with recruitment and retention of volunteers,” Donovan said.

Plans to advocate for county funding and policies supporting the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters and emergency-services personnel.

- Plans to advocate for county funding and policies supporting the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters and emergency-services personnel.

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy & the Environment

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Laura Donovan

The new sales tax sharing agreement includes a provision to potentially increase towns’ share by up to 12% of excess sales tax proceeds if those proceeds exceed the amount budgeted for the fiscal year — a provision that was added based on input from Legislators Laura Donovan (D-11, Marlborough), Lindsey Grossman (D-19, Rosendale/Marbletown), and Ann Peters (D-2, Saugerties).

“Strengthening the guaranteed share for our towns and villages helps municipalities plan ahead as costs continue to rise, while still allowing them to benefit when sales tax revenues come in stronger than expected,” said Legislator Laura Donovan.

Legislature Approves New Sales Tax Sharing Agreement with City of Kingston

- Sponsored a temporary county sales-tax waiver for gasoline and diesel priced above $3 per gallon, projected to save motorists $725,000.
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Donovan Backs Requests For Aid - Southern Ulster Times

June 2026 - Ulster County Legislator Laura Donovan is urging federal officials to provide disaster assistance to farmers affected by a late-season freeze that caused widespread damage to Hudson Valley fruit crops. Donovan, D-Marlborough, praised Gov. Kathy Hochul’s formal request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture seeking a disaster declaration for New York counties hardest hit by the freeze, which occurred last month. According to Hochul’s request to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, damage to fruit operations, including peach, grape and apple growers, is estimated to exceed $30 million.