Mary Jury is the new development officer at daniel, a non-profit child servicing agency that provides innovative programs and services on a daily basis to more than 750 children, families and other youth-serving organizations.
WHAT WILL SHE DO IN HER NEW POSITION?
She will be responsible for coordinating all fundraising events, including the motorcycle ride, auxiliary club, golf tournament and other daniel events. Her other responsibilities include managing volunteers and coordinating activities for the United Way.
HOW LONG HAS SHE BEEN WITH DANIEL?
Seven years. She started as a administrative assistant to Jim Clark when he was vice president of programs. When he became president, she was named his executive assistant.
HOW DID SHE GET THIS PROMOTION?
After Susan Lanahan, the previous development officer, left that position, Jury helped plan a few events and discovered she really enjoyed it.
BEFORE DANIEL?
She was an information specialist with the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, S.C. for two years. She was also the Morale Welfare and Recreation Department representative on a committee that coordinated the Blue Angels Air Show and many other military activities for children and active duty adults.
HOW WILL YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE HELP IN YOUR NEW POSITION?
“Believe it or not, the job with the Marine Corps was probably the most influential position that I have ever had in my entire life. I worked for the highest ranking enlisted men in addition to the highest ranking officer and it was quite an experience. Their expectations were very high and there was no room for error.”
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS IN YOUR NEW POSITION?
“The ultimate goal is to help the children. It’s all about the kids, doing the best thing possible for them and raising funds to make their lives a lot easier. Some of these kids don’t have anything. They don’t get a chance to go to the movies or go to the beauty shop and have their hair done. These things enhance their lives here and that is why we do what we do.”
HOW DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL TO BE ABLE TO HELP THE CHILDREN?
“When I first started working here, Jim [Clark] was doing an assessment and it just made me feel angry and sad at the same time that things like that could happen to children. Unfortunately, in real life it does happen to them. All the heartache, sweat and tears and the wonderful volunteers that I have encountered working here is so overwhelming. There are so many people who want to help and make things happen and do good things for children. It is such a great feeling to know you are doing something for an excellent cause.”
BIRTHPLACE
Bremerhaven, Germany.
MOVED TO JACKSONVILLE?
In 1992, when her husband was transferred here with the Marines.
COLLEGE
She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business at Jacksonville University and Florida Community College of Jacksonville.
RESIDES
Argyle.
FAMILY
She has been married to Michael, who is retired from the Marines and now works for NADEP, for 25 years. They have two children, Michael Jr., 23, and Victoria, 18.
HOBBIES
Step aerobics and bowling.
FAVORITES
She enjoys Danielle Steel books, her favorite movie is “October Sky” and “My Wife and Kids” tops her list of television programs. When traveling, she enjoys Key West and Longhorn Steakhouse is her restaurant of choice.
— by Michele Newbern Gillis