A heartfelt reflection on leadership in public service, emphasizing the importance of people-centered governance, community engagement, and values-driven decision-making in shaping Leesburg's future while preserving its unique character.
Her Story
About Marylen
Marylen Knights, MSc, MBA, is a results-driven professional with a diverse background spanning business operations, marketing, and finance. With over four years of marketing expertise, more than three years of leadership experience, and over two years in finance and accounting, Marylen has developed a proven ability to manage both strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations with precision and clarity. She specializes in event planning, online and digital advertising, bookkeeping, data entry, and managing AR/AP processes.
Marylen’s career has taken her across multiple sectors—including healthcare, accounting, and digital marketing—giving her a well-rounded perspective and the ability to adapt quickly to new challenges. She has successfully led marketing campaigns, built websites, and streamlined financial reporting while juggling multiple responsibilities, all with a keen attention to detail. Known for being personable, coachable, and collaborative, Marylen thrives both independently and in team environments.
Currently, Marylen serves as the Senior Executive Assistant at the City of Leesburg, Georgia, where she is positioned to take over management in the coming years. Her professional journey reflects a balance of ambition and dedication, having returned to her hometown to build a meaningful career while reconnecting with her roots. Along the way, she has traveled extensively for work and pursued additional education, including earning a Master of Science in Marketing from The University of Alabama and an MBA from Georgia Southwestern State University.
Outside of her professional life, Marylen is deeply committed to community and service. She serves on the Kappa Delta Sorority Chapter Advisory Board, contributing her expertise in finance and leadership. Marylen also cherishes her personal journey, having reconnected with her husband, her childhood crush, after returning to her small hometown following college.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marylen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith in God. My journey has been shaped and guided by Him, and I truly believe He has led me exactly where I am supposed to be. Every step, every challenge, and every victory has been a part of His plan, and I trust that His guidance will continue to lead me forward.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received was to lead with service. Titles and positions may change, but the impact you make on people’s lives is what sticks with people. That advice has guided me in public service—reminding me that every decision, big or small, is an opportunity to strengthen our community and leave it better than we found it. I've also learned that while service is vital, it is just as important to give yourself grace. Leadership and growth come with challenges, and your will make a mistake or two, or several. Extending grace to yourself allows you to keep learning, keep showing up, and keep serving your community with a full heart.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to approach this field with both courage and patience. Public service isn’t always about quick wins—it’s about steady progress, persistence, and staying committed to your community even when the work is challenging. Invest in your professional growth, but also in your character, because integrity is the foundation of lasting leadership.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is getting people on board who may be resistant to change. Change - even when it's positive - can feel uncertain, and not everyone is immediately ready to embrace new ideas or directions. At the same time, that challenge presents a great opportunity: the chance to share a vision with the community in a way that sparks excitement and builds trust. I believe that when people can see the bigger picture, understand how it benefits them, and feel included in the process, resistance often turns into support. For me, the work is about more than just planning for today - it's about inspiring people to look ahead with hope and confidence in what's to come.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity and honesty. I believe in doing the right thing, even when it's not the easiest path, and in being transparent in the decisions I make. Listening to the community is also a core value for me - people want to feel heard and know their voices matter. Beyond that, I strive to be present and authentic in every interaction. Whether at work or in my personal life, I've found that showing up fully and genuinely creates trust, strengthens relationships, and allows me to serve others in a more meaningful way.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Marylen
Leading with Vision and Heart
My Journey in Public Service
When people ask me what I love most about my job, my answer is simple: it’s the people. Public service isn’t just about policies, projects, or planning for growth—it’s about serving people, listening to their needs, and helping shape a future that we can all be proud of.
My journey has been guided by faith, integrity, and the belief that true leadership is rooted in service. I’ve learned that titles and positions may change, but the impact you leave on people—the way you listen, the way you lead, and the way you make others feel valued—lasts far longer.
In my role with the City of Leesburg, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside community members to bring their voices into the decisions that shape our neighborhoods and our town's future. It isn’t always easy—change can be difficult, and not everyone sees the vision right away—but I see those moments as opportunities to listen, share, and bring people together.
The biggest challenge, and also the greatest opportunity, is getting people excited about what’s ahead. I want our community to see that growth and change don’t have to mean losing what makes us special—instead, it can mean creating more opportunities for families, businesses, and future generations.
The values that guide me are the same in my work and personal life: honesty, integrity, and authenticity. I believe in showing up, listening, and being present—not just when things are easy, but also when they are hard.
At the end of the day, my goal is to leave a legacy of service, one that reflects both my faith and my love for this community. If I can inspire even one young woman to step into leadership with courage and compassion, then I know I’ve done something meaningful.
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