Mary Lynn joined the Franklin Land Trust in 2002, after working for twenty years in finance and municipal government. Having served a variety of roles at FLT over the years, Mary most recently served as the Deputy Director and Director of Philanthropy. Mary has over twenty years of experience in all aspects of Franklin Land Trust’s governance, operations, finance, development, and management. Mary built the organization’s brand, outreach, fundraising, and development programs from the ground up. An internationally Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) since 2018, Mary has met and maintained the rigorous education, experience, testing, and reputation requirements for CFRE designation including high-water marks in Leadership, Management, Ethics, Accountability, and Professionalism. She embodies these qualities and is recognized regionally as a top fundraising professional and presenter.
Mary also wins top marks in branding, broadcasting her organization’s message, and developing donors from across the country and the world. An example of this is her development and management of the Deerfield Dirt Road Randonnée (D2R2), FLT’s signature fundraising event. Featured in Sports Illustrated, Cycling, and Outdoor magazines, D2R2 is known as one of the country’s top cycling events attracting riders from across the country and around the globe. Riders, their families, and those they know are part of the #D2R2 movement lending their voice and financial support to the work of FLT.
Active in her community and in the region, Mary served 20 years in municipal service. She is a prior business owner. Mary is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She also most recently served on the board of Women in Philanthropy and the Greater Shelburne Falls Area Business Association.
Mary attended Elms College and Holyoke Community College.