Mary brings more than 40 years of executive search experience to ZRG and is a key leader within the firm’s Chicago office and across its global organization. She is a compassionate professional focusing on the consumer sector, family businesses, and the intersection of both with private equity.​

Mary focuses on recruiting senior executives and board directors, frequently leading searches for CEOs, CMOs, CFOs, COOs, and board members. She takes great pride in her high-touch, personal approach to serving both clients and candidates.​

Prior to joining ZRG, Mary served as CEO of Cook Associates, a boutique executive search firm. Her experience spans consumer small durables, family-owned enterprises, founder-led organizations, and private equity-backed businesses.​

Mary also leads ZRG’s faith-based practice, supporting organizations that are owned and/or managed with a faith-forward focus.​

Mary holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Mankato State University. She is a caring mentor both professionally and personally. Outside of her career, she became a U.S. “mom” to a young woman from Brazil, supporting her through college, a master’s degree, and an MBA in the U.S., and proudly watching her grow into an amazing professional and mother.​