Committed to the core mission of ensuring students are prepared for success in college, work and life, Mary has dedicated her career to strengthening leaders, building capacity, growing networks and impacting students.  Mary joined the Institute team in 2019 as the Chief Operating Officer.

Mary hails from Chicago Public Schools, where she served as Executive Director of Innovation and Incubation for nearly four years.  In this role, Mary led a dynamic team that provided oversight and support for over 140 campuses across the district including charter, contract, and alternative schools and programs. In addition, the team led the incubation of new district and charter schools, oversaw the selection and development of programs in district schools, supported co-location campuses, and strengthened the sharing of innovative and promising practices across sectors.

Mary began her career as a high school special and general education teacher working to ensure that students experienced an educational environment that they could thrive in. Prior to her role at CPS, she served as Associate Director and eventually Deputy Director at The Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools at Central Michigan University, a leading state-wide charter authorizer in Michigan.   Mary holds a Bachelor of Science in Education, Masters in Business Administration, a Juris Doctorate with a focus in administrative law, and is pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.

Combined with her rich experience in public education and the charter sector, Mary is recognized as an expert in the industry and has contributed much thought leadership through numerous roles and opportunities throughout the nation.