Mary Cusenza

Mary Cusenza brings nearly five decades of diverse professional experience to her work in communications, coaching, and organizational effectiveness. She began her career in sales at U.S. Surgical, where she spent 16 years training surgeons and nurses on new procedures in the operating room. After leaving to pursue opportunities in internet healthcare with a startup called Interadnet, which was sold after two years, she founded her own digital marketing company in New York City that she operated for nine years. She later provided consulting services to healthcare systems before joining Own the Room in Montclair, New Jersey, where she transitioned from sales and marketing into communication coaching. Recognizing the need for deeper career guidance, she became a certified executive coach with additional certifications in communication coaching and ProSci for organizational effectiveness. Currently serving as Interim Director of Communications at Jazz House, she manages advertising, marketing, social media, and websites for the organization and its Montclair Jazz Festival while building a stronger leadership culture. Her main areas of expertise are leadership development and business development, and she attributes her success to empathy, truly hearing others, and a willingness to work hard. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, English, and History, attended law school for two years, and studied in Europe. Mary is a member of Sherma, CEO groups, and chief marketing officer networks, and she volunteers with Foster Pride, Rosemary's Rescue Ranch, and a local food pantry.