Mary Ferrell is the public relations coordinator for the City’s Adult Services Division of the Community Services Department. She runs the Mayor’s Special Events for Senior Citizens program.
WHAT DOES SHE
LIKE MOST LIKE
ABOUT HER JOB?
“I think what thrills me most is the feeling I get after an event, when I hear positive and grateful feedback from our seniors. It really makes you feel like you’ve helped someone, and to me, that’s what it’s all about. Things are changing so quickly with seniors that it’s exciting to try and come up with new and interesting things to do.”
HAS THE JOB CHANGED HER PERSPECTIVE ON AGING?
“Yes, in some ways. I had grandparents, but they were in another state and I wasn’t around them all the time. The job has given me insight into how much some seniors depend on others and I’m glad we can be there for them.”
DOES DOWNTOWN HAVE A LOT TO OFFER SENIORS?
“I think so. Obviously, the ones who are mobile have an easier time with downtown activities. I know a lot of seniors who come for FridayFest and who like to visit the Moran Theatre [the T-U Center].”
WHEN SHE’S NOT WORKING
Ferrell enjoys shopping and “lately I’ve been into home improvement projects. I also like gardening. I’m trying to grow roses. I like to have something blooming in my yard at all times.”
WHERE DID SHE
WORK BEFORE?
Ferrell worked at BellSouth for 17 years in the corporate and external affairs department. She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Jacksonville University.
HER ROOTS?
Ferrell was born in West Virginia, but has lived in Jacksonville since she was eight. She attended Forrest High School and still lives on the Westside.
HER CO-WORKERS?
Mary Adams and Leah Hayes are public relations specialists. Ray Noles and Lenora Owens work in the program’s Medical Transportation Unit.
— by Bailey White