Mary Ann Blackburn has 25 years of corporate marketing and sales management experience in the consumer goods industry, with strengths in brand management, strategic planning, and business development.

Her responsibilities included crafting national advertising campaigns, public relations and corporate communications leadership, new product development, merchandising design and execution, and managing sales activities for major chain accounts throughout the U.S.

Mary Ann launched her own consultancy in 2007, and joined the O’Reilly/DePalma team, now providing account management and client services in the Northeast region.

Brands Served: American Standard, JADO, Porcher, Safety Tubs, Eljer, DMC, Solution Strategists, Sullivans USA, Meridian Health.

Born and Bred: Jersey Girl, through and through.

Best Part of Your Job: Working with colleagues who are encouraging, compassionate, supportive and extremely knowledgeable — all with a wicked sense of humor that brings me smiles daily.

Most Memorable Industry Moment: Becoming part of the O’Reilly/DePalma team and getting to work with Nora DePalma (a.k.a.  former college roommate and friend for 30+ years).

Ed Cred: BS, Business Administration, Montclair State University.

Seen and Been Seen: Former VP and Board of Directors, The National Needlearts Association (TNNA); former member, Public Relations Committee, Craft and Hobby Association (CHA); life member, Alpha Kappa Psi professional business fraternity; member, Programming Committee, American Marketing Association, NJ chapter; member, Jersey Shore Public Relations & Advertising Association (JSPRAA).

Most Memorable College Moment: Interviewing my future husband (little did I know!) for a story in my college newspaper, The Montclarion.

Pet Causes: Local Foodbanks. I run a monthly food drive at my son’s school and help distribute it to needy families at an inner city foodbank. Incredibly rewarding, and humbling.

Fave Vacation Spot: Williamsburg, VA — at the really fun waterpark there, Water Country USA!