Mary Donahue is Vice President, Development and Programming for History, a position she assumed in September 2010.  A veteran cable television executive, Mary Donahue joined HISTORY in October 2008 and was part of the team that developed and launched mega hit series, Pawn Stars; she serves as its executive producer.  She also developed and supervised the breakout hit, Swamp People, which debuted in the summer of 2010 as History’s highest rated series premiere to date.  In addition to supervising a team of programmers, Donahue also develops and oversees series and specials, including Cajun Pawn Stars, American Restoration, Mudcats and the top rated special Gettysburg, nominated for eight Emmys and winner of four.  Prior to joining HISTORY, Donahue worked from 2004-2008 at Discovery Channel, serving as Executive Producer, Senior Executive Producer and Vice President, Creative Content. Specializing in talent and character driven series, she developed and launched a broad array of programs during that time, including Man Vs Wild, Storm Chasers, Cash Cab, Alaska Experiment and Future Weapons, as well as the Emmy nominated “Expedition” series with the BBC Natural History Unit.  Donahue also oversaw Mythbusters and Dirty Jobs, growing ratings on both series. She also supervised stunts, including several of the top rated years of Shark Week.