Mary Ehrsam
EVP, President, HOPE Partnerships
As President of Operation HOPE Partnerships, Mary Ehrsam drives the cultivation of revenue streams and avenues for growth and sustainability while furthering the overall mission of HOPE. Mary is responsible for structuring development opportunities, oversight of partnership relations, and the execution of the scalability and sustainability strategy. Prior to joining HOPE, Mary began her career in strategic economic development and poverty alleviation by launching the Los Angeles affiliate of Habitat for Humanity – growing the organization from a $35,000 budget to $3.2 million and constructing 64 homes in partnership with recipient homeowners.
Mary expanded her focus to comprehensive revitalization of underserved communities as Vice President, Chief of Operations for Operation HOPE. In her role Mary oversaw the development of the HOPE Financial Dignity Centers and was responsible for operations, legal, fiscal management, compliance, community and political affairs, and financial development.
Mary is a 25-year member of the HOPE legacy team. She developed and launched the HOPE youth programs, expanded the HOPE Inside model nationwide, and led the global expansion in South Africa and the Middle East. Working with the Global Dignity Co-Founders, Mary developed the base “A Course in Dignity” curriculum that has since been delivered, in partnership with the World Economic Forum of Young Global Leaders, in 100 countries on four continents. She currently serves as the co-chair of Financial Literacy for All (FL4A).
Mary received a degree in economics from Gettysburg College, and currently serves on the Boards of Directors of Gettysburg College, Art & Soul, and the Gettysburg ESii. Mary is the Vice President of the Gettysburg Executive Board and Chair of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Committee. She is an Advisor for the SaveThe Arts Foundation, serves as a member of the Advisory Board of the BXS Community Fund, LLC, and is a member of the ODE National Economics Society.