Springfield-based business speaker, author dies

O’Donnell was 60 years old.

After working as an actress and appearing on such shows as “General Hospital” and “Cheers,” O’Donnell was an executive recruiter for companies including Dunhill Executive Search and The Disney Store.

She then founded SinaraSpeaks in Springfield. She spoke to dozens of businesses and organizations – local and nationwide – on topics ranging from improving the workplace to communication to training.

O’Donnell’s husband, John O’Donnell, will keep up the company’s Web site, www.sinaraspeaks.com, until he closes SinaraSpeaks Dec. 31, he said on the site.

O’Donnell also wrote “Be The Star Of Your Life: Are You Ready For Your Close-Up?” and was a columnist for publications including Springfield Business Journal, The Wall Street Journal’s Online Career Journal and Today’s Woman Magazine.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sept. 29 at River of Life Lutheran Church, 4900 S. Farm Road 149 in Rogersville. Interment services will be private. Donations in her name may be made to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Medical Melanoma Oncology Department, or the CoxHealth Foundation.