Elected: 2016, 2020
Current Term Ends: 2023
Committees: Governance & Compensation/Assessment (chair), Audit

Mary spent 13 years in the human resource function at Harvard University, and worked at Cornell University from 1996 to 2022, ending her tenure there as vice president and chief human resources officer. At Cornell, Mary's portfolio included oversight of the Division of Human Resources, the Office of Inclusion and Workforce Diversity, Title IX compliance, and the Center for Regional Economic Advancement. Mary also oversaw development of Cornell's innovative Center for Regional Economic Advancement, and collaborated with Ithaca College and Tompkins Cortland Community College to found Rev: Ithaca Startup Works, a New York State-funded new business incubator in downtown Ithaca.

Mary described her mission at Cornell as a commitment to promoting a values-driven culture that focuses on streamlined processes so that the university is socially, economically, and environmentally responsive. She was particularly interested in creating meaningful growth opportunities for top talent, and advancing succession and development plans which addressed the retirement of key faculty and staff, while attracting and engaging employees who energized the university with new perspectives and expectations.

Cornell has received numerous workplace awards as a result of exceptional human resource programs under Mary's leadership. These include being named AARP's top U.S. employer for workers 50 and older two years in a row — making Cornell the first employer to receive this top billing more than once. Cornell has also been listed as a best employer for working mothers, prospective and adoptive parents, IT professionals, veterans, and women executives. In March 2015, Mary was selected by the editors of Human Resource Executive magazine as one of the 15 most influential women leaders in human resources.

Mary is a fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources, and is certified by the Society for Human Resource Management as a senior professional in human resources. She received her bachelor's degree in political science from the State University of New York at Oneonta and her master of science degree in organizational behavior from Cornell University.

Mary is an active supporter of her community, and has served on numerous boards of local and national organizations. Outside of her work as Ithaca College trustee, she is currently active on the boards of Kendal at Ithaca, Planned Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes, Tompkins County Area Development, the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council, the Legacy Foundation of Tompkins County, the Paleontological Research Institution, and is a member of the governing body for the New York HR Leadership Summit.

Mary has been married to her husband, Kip, for over 35 years and they make their home in Ithaca, New York. They are the proud parents of two grown children, Emily and William, and their soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Hillary Whitmore. Mary is an avid dog lover, and has adopted numerous furry family members, including Jake and Buddy.