If anyone has a broad background, it’s Mary Feder. This IABC-LI member, who has more than 15 years of experience in corporate communications strategies, started out in the cosmetic industry, moved to biotechnology and then found a home in the financial services industry. And did you know that Mary is a former competitive figure skater? Perhaps that played a part in those seamless career transitions, as she glided from industry to another with ease. She earned a BS in marketing, cum laude, and an MBA in finance from St. John’s University. “I learned early in my career that if you want to quickly move up and set yourself apart from the crowd, it’s important to further your education. I felt the discipline of finance was applicable in any field,” she said. “For example, if you want to run a marketing department, finance can help you manage your budgets and analyze reports.” Today, Mary serves as vice president, public relations and corporate communications, for Senior Lending Network, a division of World Alliance Financial Corp., a growing reverse mortgage company. “A reverse mortgage can be a lifesaver for a senior who needs the product,” explained Mary. “A person who might benefit the most is someone who has a lot of equity in their home and very little cash flow. For many seniors, their largest financial asset is locked up in the equity in their house.” Reverse mortgages enable seniors to tap into that equity, while continuing to own and live in their homes. Mary, who was recently elected to the IABC-LI Board of Directors, says she was drawn to IABC because of its national reach and its strong local chapters. “I felt it was the best way for me to hone my skills as I transitioned into a position that was less financial and more communications and public relations oriented,” she said. On a typical day, you might find Mary working in the company`s Melville, N.Y., headquarters or at its National Sales Center in Troy, Mich., writing press releases or coordinating publicity opportunities, such as interviews or press conferences, for her CEO. She recently traveled to New Orleans to organize an event involving Senior Lending Network’s spokesperson and legendary actor, Robert Wagner. The company worked with Rebuilding Together New Orleans and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to rebuild a home for two seniors who had a devastating loss due to hurricane Katrina. “Senior Lending Network is always looking for ways to give back to seniors,” she explained. “The whole event was extremely rewarding for the company and for me on a personal level, as well. I realized there is still so much work that needs to be done to make the communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina livable.” Mary says that membership in the Long Island Chapter of IABC is an excellent way for her to meet professionals in the business communications field and exchange ideas on a local level. “It’s so convenient. You can attend a luncheon and learn about a topic of interest, without having to spend the entire day in the city or traveling,” she said. “What is so critical is every member of the chapter reached their position via a different path. We can all learn from each other and expand our horizons by sharing experiences.” by Lynn Zawacki
Ideaz in Ink
About our Member of the Month Feature
At each monthly meeting IABC holds a random drawing to select the name of a member from those in attendance.
The Member of the Month is highlighted on our Web site for one month. This feature is provided as a service to our members.
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