Mary Cotten-Jones
Mary Cotten-Jones is a dynamic and highly experienced operations and program management professional with over 35 years of expertise spanning public health, construction, hospitality, aviation, and administration. Known for her leadership, organizational efficiency, and ability to thrive under pressure, Mary has successfully led multimillion-dollar projects, streamlined operations, and built high-performing teams. Her versatile skill set includes strategic operations, HR compliance, workflow optimization, and customer service excellence, with a strong focus on integrity, accountability, and adaptability.
Throughout her career, Mary has held critical roles such as Program Manager for the Florida Department of Health’s Children’s Dentistry Clinic and Office Coordinator for a general contracting firm, where she implemented cost-saving strategies and enhanced compliance and productivity. Certified as a FEMA First Responder and Florida Notary Public, she is equally comfortable in frontline roles and executive settings. Mary’s ability to wear many hats and deliver measurable impact makes her a sought-after leader, particularly in remote environments where operational excellence and team cohesion are paramount.
Now seeking her next challenge, Mary continues to bring unmatched experience, a passion for service, and a commitment to making organizations run smarter and stronger. Whether managing logistics, improving workflows, or supporting employee relations, she leads with empathy, precision, and a results-driven mindset.
• Serve Safe Food & Alcohol Certifications
• Florida Notary Public
• International Air Academy
• Special Olympics
• Daughters of American Revolution
• First responder for FEMA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to decades of experience in the airline industry, where serving as a union stewardess taught me how to navigate complex team dynamics, set aside personal bias, and truly listen to others. This foundation helped me transform a volatile dental department by implementing cross-training, which built mutual respect and team cohesion through better understanding of each other's roles.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to walk away from toxicity, believe in yourself, use your voice, and always know your worth.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is gaining proper recognition, especially as a woman navigating traditionally male-dominated industries.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Empathy, connection, and collaboration are core values I bring to both my work and personal life. I genuinely enjoy creating harmony, helping people feel understood, and fostering environments where individuals can come together—even those who may have once been at odds—to support a thriving, cohesive team.