Mary’s career represents the “applied side” of economic development.  Since graduating from Duke University with degrees in History and Education, she has worked with both communities to enhance ED infrastructure, assets and marketability and with companies to find the best location for their specific project needs.
Mary started in economic development in rural Martin County, NC, where she served as the local economic developer for over 17 years.  In this capacity, she worked on traditional and non-traditional projects at the local, regional, and state-wide level.  She served as a board member for North Carolina’s Economic Developers Association, NC East, North Carolina’s Northeast Commission, the US Highway 17 Association, NC SmartStart, Historic Albemarle Commission, NC Rail Trails committee, and many other groups.  Her most memorable projects at the county level included a $600 million expansion at the Weyerhaeuser fine paper facility, creation of the County’s first industrial park and shell building, and the $15 million Senator Bob Martin Agricultural Center in Williamston.
Mary opened Greenfield in 1998, with her business partner Robin Spinks joining her in 1999.  Greenfield is a full-service site selection and economic development consulting firm.   The company specializes in heavy infrastructure industrial projects, ED client recruitment and long-term management services, ED product identification and development, ED strategic planning and other services to locales.  They also work nationally and internationally on site selection projects for companies such as Bertram Yachts, Dunlop Aviation Tyres, Christ Craft, Indian Motorcycle, MDM Foods, and Local Motors.
In her “other life,” Mary works with her son to manage their farm in Martin and Beaufort counties.  She is also a partner in a bonded ag warehouse, a regional cotton gin, and recreational property along the Pamlico River.
A widow, Mary has two children and four grandchildren.