Upon moving to Arkansas, Mary noticed the lack of career opportunities and decided to pursue higher education.  She enrolled in a community college there and received her Associate's in Business Administration.  Soon after she returned to Central New York to pursue a bachelor's degree in Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell.  Upon graduation she returned to Syracuse where she met and married her second husband, and started a family.  Mary worked as a "domestic engineer" for the next ten years, before moving to the Human Resources department at Welch Allyn.  She worked there for a few years before personal connections and the desire for a more fulfilling job led her to WAER.  Mary has been with WAER as the Development Director for almost eight years and shows no signs of leaving any time soon.

Mary says she loves WAER and public radio because it's never boring--it constantly keeps her engaged in the greater Syracuse community, ensuring that all WAER members and listeners are entertained, informed, dedicated, inspired and proud of their membership.

---

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Syracuse, NY.  I moved away for a few years living in White Plains, NY, Omaha, Nebraska, and Blyetheville, Arkansas where my choices were pick cotton or go to college...I chose college.  I returned to Central New York to continue my education at Cornell University where I earned my BA in Industrial and Labor Relations.

When did you begin working at WAER?

I began working at WAER in June of 2000 after working in the Human Resources department at Welch Allyn in Skaneateles, NY.

What do you do at WAER?

As WAER's development director I am responsible for fund raising financial support from WAER members/listeners through pledge drives, renewal memberships, major donor giving, capital campaign, and planned giving contributions.  I am fiercely dedicated to providing the highest level of custom service ensuring that all WAER members and listeners are entertained, informed, dedicated, inspired and proud of their membership.

What was the most unusual job you ever had?

Being the mother to two teenagers is pretty outrageously funny, incredible scary,  heartwarming and very fulfilling...I'll let you know if I make it ;)

Why do you love public radio?

I love public radio because it engages my mind, takes me to interesting places and provides me with a glimpse of other people from around the world. I'm never bored by public radio.

What are your hobbies?

In my spare time from being Mom to Drew and Katie I like to read, bike, cross-country ski, kayak on the St. Lawrence River and climbing the high peaks in the Adirondack's with my sister Ann.

What is your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is from The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery... "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."