Mary Ann Donaghy is a dynamic and transformational leader with a proven track record of delivering improved revenue, profitability, and return on investment (ROI) through market-driven product, brand, and marketing strategies. With a unique blend of traditional brand marketing acumen and advanced digital expertise, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to create omnichannel marketing plans that reflect customer insights and drive action. Mary Ann has excelled in various industries, including higher education, real estate, and consumer products, and her career is a testament to her leadership prowess.
Professional Journey
Mary Ann’s journey in the world of marketing and leadership has been nothing short of remarkable. Currently serving as the Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer at ZIPS Cleaners, she has taken on the role of driving marketing strategies and enhancing the overall customer experience for this national dry cleaning franchise. Her role as a board member for the same franchise showcases her expertise as a marketing strategist, contributing to the growth of this Washington DC-based company.
Prior to her role at ZIPS Cleaners, Mary Ann founded Insights & Impact, where she operated as a Fractional CMO, Strategist and researcher. In this capacity, she provided strategic marketing leadership and conducted quantitative and qualitative research to uncover valuable insights. Her work informed strategic plans, new product development, brand positioning, and messaging for a diverse range of clients, including higher education institutions, senior living organizations, associations, real estate development firms, and internet-based services.
One of the notable highlights in Mary Ann’s career was her tenure at the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), where she served as the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer. In this role, she led all brand and product marketing, communications, and sales efforts for this non-profit organization specializing in seniors housing data, analytics, and conferences. Her achievements included aligning marketing and sales efforts, strengthening media relations, expanding digital marketing initiatives, and optimizing marketing analytics.
Before her role at NIC, Mary Ann held the position of Vice President of Marketing (serving as chief marketing officer) at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). Here, she led a 60-person global marketing team and played a pivotal role in transforming the university’s brand and digital presence. Her efforts resulted in significant improvements in brand metrics, digital lead generation, and cost optimization.
Mary Ann’s marketing expertise also extends to the real estate sector, where she served as Vice President of Corporate Marketing at Bozzuto. In this role, she managed a substantial budget and a team of eight direct reports, overseeing marketing campaigns, strategies, corporate communications, and media relations for multiple Bozzuto companies. She contributed directly to revenue increases and cost savings during challenging market conditions.
During her time at AOL, Mary Ann served as the Executive Director of Marketing Strategy and New Product Development. She led the growth of the US Hispanic market, overseeing subscriptions, channel traffic, and brand relevance for AOL Latino. Her accomplishments included managing a $10 million marketing budget and successfully driving incremental revenue in this key market segment.
Before her roles at AOL, Mary Ann operated her own consultancy, Insights & Action, where she worked with early-stage companies and angel investors to vet business concepts and develop effective go-to-market plans. Her ability to leverage research and strategic thinking was a valuable asset to her clients.
Early in her career, Mary Ann worked at StarKist Foods, an H.J. Heinz Company at the time, where she held various roles, including Product Manager in International Marketing and Sales. Her responsibilities encompassed trade marketing, European business development, and international sales and marketing.
Leadership and Achievements
Mary Ann Donaghy’s leadership is marked by her ability to drive positive change, align marketing efforts with business goals, and deliver tangible results. Her accomplishments include:
Mary Ann has a proven track record of transforming digital web properties, resulting in significant increases in web leads and user engagement. Her data-driven approach to digital marketing has consistently yielded positive outcomes. Throughout her career, Mary Ann has built and led high-performing marketing teams. Her ability to identify and cultivate talent, along with her strategic leadership, has been instrumental in achieving organizational success. Her strategic prowess shines through in her ability to develop comprehensive marketing plans that drive action. Her expertise in brand development, customer research, and insights ensures that marketing efforts are rooted in a deep understanding of target audiences.
Mary Ann’s skill in managing budgets to maximize ROI has consistently delivered cost savings and increased the efficiency and impact of marketing functions. She has successfully led brand repositioning efforts, resulting in improved brand metrics, increased awareness, and enhanced brand reputation. Her Omni-channel marketing strategies have demonstrated her ability to leverage both traditional and digital media to reach and engage audiences effectively.
Mary Ann Donaghy is a visionary marketing leader with a track record of driving results across diverse industries. Her ability to blend traditional marketing principles with advanced digital strategies, along with her focus on customer insights, has made her a sought-after expert in the field. Her journey from higher education
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