Executive Leadership Support Forum: Boston: Speaker Interview
Mary Browne
Executive Assistant to CEO
Girls Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts
Mary Margaret Browne is an administrative professional with over twenty five years of experience in both the corporate and non-profit sectors. Throughout her career Mary has worked with a number of high-profile executives in a variety of industries, including television and radio broadcasting, advertising, and digital technology in both Boston and New York. Since September 2013 she has served as Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts (GSEM) and liaison to its Board of Directors. In addition to supporting the CEO and Board, she is responsible for managing numerous council projects, including logistics for Girl Scouts of the USA’s National Council Session & Convention and the GSEM Annual Meeting. She also serves as a project manager supporting the Chairs of GSEM’s Scholarship and Board Nominating Committees. Prior to joining GSEM, she served as Office Manager and EA to the CEO of Digilant, Inc., a global programmatic media pioneer. She spent several years as EA to the CEO of Havas Digital, the digital arm of Havas Media operating across 33 countries.
Mary will be one of the distinguished presenters at the Executive Leadership Support Forum: Boston.
Why is the Executive Leadership Support Forum important for executive assistants?
It’s a unique opportunity to network with fellow EA’s to share best practices and career advice.
Independently, what have you done to work towards professional development in the past?
I have taken online training courses to keep current with skill sets, and sought the sage advice of professional mentors when dealing with difficult work issues.
What is one thing you hope to learn or discuss with your peers at the ELS Forum?
I’d like to discuss the importance of establishing credibility and trustworthiness – essential to the EA role.
Tell us about a career accomplishment of which you’re particularly proud.
Very proud to have been promoted twice within five years at the same organization. I began as an admin and moved to Director-level.
In your mind, what is one tool you can’t live without or find especially helpful in your position?
Adobe Acrobat
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself when you were first starting your career?
Don’t take anything personally – it’s all business. Learn to be assertive while maintaining objectivity. Embrace “Big Picture Thinking”.
Are there any blogs, books, articles or online forums you recommend reading?
I am currently reading The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz – highly recommended.
How do you define success within your role as an executive assistant?
As long as I continue to learn and be challenged in my role, and maintain open communication with colleagues to move the team effort forward, I consider my contributions to be successful and of value.
