Mary Risner is ready for the next chapter in her life. Hired to lead the Alumnae and Development Office in early 2021 as Westover’s new Chief Development Officer, Mary explained she’s eager to discover and help tell Westover’s story.

“I hope to meet as many alumnae as possible to learn their stories and help them ensure today’s girls have an even better opportunity,” Mary said. “We are all connected through Westover - and I want to know the good and the bad. We all want Westover to hold its rightful place as a beacon for girls education, and we all need to work together to make it accessible.”

Originally from Old Saybrook, CT, Mary has called Pennsylvania “home” for most of her life, as she graduated from Bloomsburg University with a degree in Economics, and then earned her Master’s in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania. After a career in banking, she shifted to higher education working in fundraising at Franklin & Marshall College for 13 years and then the University of Pennsylvania. She comes to Westover after serving at Brown University as the Executive Director of Annual Giving.

Mary explained she feels fortunate to have played a role in helping students realize their dream of a world-class education regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. Now at Westover, she’s looking to continue that role and engage people about Westover’s mission.

“It’s a powerful moment when a person can see how they make a difference,” Mary said.

That difference-making trait is a big reason why Mary connected with Westover and the core value of community.

“I love the mission of empowering girls, and I wish that I had an opportunity like this,” she said. “Westover was interesting to me because it is a place where girls can be their authentic selves and find their own path. It’s an intentional community where every girl is responsible to each other. Now that I am here, I am so amazed by the support from alumnae, parents, faculty and staff. Participation is impressive. I knew Westover was the right place for me when Julie (Faulstich) and I connected. She is an inspiring leader.”

Mary said in her role as Chief Development Officer, she’s looking to bring a clear understanding of what support means to a connected community like Westover, and look to further involve individuals in ways that help serve the students, the future of the School and empower the staff to create best practices to advocate for Westover.

“I want alumnae, parents and friends to clearly understand that their support - financial and engagement - is critical to the ongoing health of Westover and be immensely proud of their role in helping to ensure Westover’s healthy future,” Mary said. “I am passionate about empowering my team to be their best selves, and I’m excited to be working with smart and dedicated colleagues.”

In her short time at Westover this year, Mary’s slowly been able to interact with the alumnae base and get a glimpse into the passion and dedication they hold for the School.

“Their time at Westover helped to shape them into who they are today,” she said. “I am in awe of their love for the School, and their willingness to hold dear the students who are here today.”

And giving graduates of the School a voice and place to share their stories and experiences - and continuing to connect with and help grow, is a vital role she sees in her department.

“Our office helps to provide the platform for alumnae to tell their stories and to connect with each other. Sharing stories that help to teach or inspire or heal will make our School stronger,” Mary said.

Outside of work, Mary enjoys taking walks, hiking, going out for breakfast, listening to live music, rummaging through antique stores and taking the slow roads on trips.

“My pandemic highlights have included gardening and restoring furniture,” she said.

She also added that she and her husband, Rob, just became grandparents for the first time!

“My family is my greatest joy and I am truly blessed,” Mary said.

Mary said Westover’s mission statement of “empowering young women to lead lives of consequence” is something she hopes she can instill in this generation.

“Girls can do anything, but sometimes they just don’t know it,” Mary said. “Westover allows girls to explore without limits and be intentional on building leadership, identity, knowledge and passion. I hope that in some way I help this generation live thoughtful and purposeful lives. I am reminded of the sentence in Laurie Lisle’s book, Westover: Giving Girls a Place of Their Own,  ‘As always, (Westover) students get used to expressing themselves and being smart and strong.”