Mary Pharris

Background

About Mary Pharris

Mary is a creative and strategic general manager with experience building high-performing teams, launching new products, working with clients, and using data to solve complex problems. Her multifaceted career has given her a diverse skillset and the ability to adapt and thrive across industries and roles. Now, at transit tech company Via, she oversees all transit operations in several markets across the United States and works with partners to ensure success. Prior to her current role, Mary took a leap and joined a fast-growing start-up, the women’s career community Fairygodboss, as its 10th employee. During her four years at Fairygodboss, she oversaw everything from communications and PR to building a recruitment marketing and operations team. Mary’s time as a fundraiser for political campaigns and organizations at the state and national level — including founding her own consultancy — has instilled a “roll up your sleeves” attitude and passion for working on causes she believes in, which has carried over into her work in the private sector. Mary is a futuristic thinker who enjoys collaborating with others to build innovative programs and partnerships. Outside of work, she loves traveling, spending time with family and friends, and collecting vintage clothing. She also runs a small retail business, Brooks Haus Vintage, which specializes in vintage women’s and men’s clothing—all driven by her unique sense of style and love for the fashions of the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s. Mary earned dual degrees in journalism and political science from the University of North Texas and holds an MBA in general management from the University of Texas at Austin. She is based in Brooklyn and Sullivan County, New York. Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Arranger Responsibility Futuristic Individualization Achiever Expertise: operations management, strategic partnerships, people leadership and development, fundraising, public speaking, marketing and communications, program management, event planning