| Mary MacPherson, Leadership, Diversity and Human Capital, Business Planning, Marketing Strategy |
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Mary MacPherson is an industry executive with background in both technology businesses and the non-profit community. She is a recognized expert in entrepreneurship and early stage company formation and growth, and has extensive experience in technology marketing and business development.
In October 2004, Mary established M2Works LLC, an independent consultancy focused on entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial networks and community building, innovation and regional economic development. She works with organizations on initiatives in these areas and with early stage companies on strategic business and marketing projects.
Most recently, Mary served as Senior Vice President of Marketing for Blackboard Inc. (NASDAQ: BBBB), a leading provider of enterprise software and services to the education industry. In her role, Mary led Blackboard's marketing efforts including all corporate, product and event marketing programs across multiple markets in the education sector, including the company’s IPO in June 2004.
Prior to joining Blackboard, Mary provided leadership and overall responsibility for the Morino Institute's programs, activities and representation in entrepreneurship, including the operation of Netpreneur, Greater Washington’s community of early stage entrepreneurs and their stakeholders. Under Mary's leadership and direction, the Netpreneur Program has reached thousands of individuals at both startups and established businesses, as well as investors, advisors, educational institutions and other intermediaries advancing entrepreneurship.
Prior to joining the Morino Institute, Mary spent five years with MCI where she had responsibilities in marketing, sales and customer service in both the Consumer and Business Markets organizations. While at MCI, she worked with global business customers on service integration and order management, managed one of MCI’s International Call Centers, and oversaw the operation of several segments of the company’s telemarketing programs and campaigns. Mary also spent several years at Apple Computer's Federal Systems Group where she was responsible for the company's marketing programs to the Federal government.
During her career, Mary has worked in startups and established companies in a variety of marketing and management roles, including START, Inc., FileTek, Informatics and the Washington Service Bureau.
Mary is a member of the Board of Directors of the Washington DC Tech Council and sits on the Advisory Boards of the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (DC Chapter) and The Angels Network. As a member of Women Angels, a Washington DC based investment group, she has been involved in due diligence on a variety of companies and continues to advise early stage company executives on a regular basis. She is a member of Women in Technology and the Potomac Officers Club. Mary served as a judge in Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (Greater Washington) from 2001 to 2003 and for the National Awards in 2004. Previously, Mary served on the Boards of the Mid-Atlantic Venture Association and the Greater Washington Board of Trade, and as a Trustee for the Fairfax Education Foundation.
In 2003, Mary was recognized by Women in Technology and the March of Dimes as a Heroine of Technology. In 2001, Washingtonian Magazine named her one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Washington. She holds a BA in American Studies from Mary Washington College.
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