Mary Ford has called Sandy Springs home for more than 20 years and she’s been working to strengthen the community every step of the way.  A dedicated civic leader and seasoned executive, Mary brings both experience and passion to everything she does.

 

Professionally, Mary serves as Chief Marketing Officer at CENTEGIX, a leading safety technology company that protects schools, hospitals, and government facilities nationwide. With over two decades of leadership in marketing and operations, she has helped companies grow through innovation and strategic vision. Her past roles at Atlanta-based tech firms like Cbeyond, SecureWorks, and Springbot earned her recognition from Women in Technology, the Technology Association of Georgia, and Dress for Success for her impact, mentorship, and commitment to service.

 

In Sandy Springs, Mary has been a driving force for community engagement. She currently serves as President of the High Point Civic Association, where she has led neighborhood advocacy, hosted public forums, and worked closely with city officials on issues like public safety and responsible development. 

 

She's been deeply involved in Sandy Springs over the past 10 years:

·High Point Civic Association Board (2015 to present) 

·High Point Civic Association President (2022 to present) 

·Sandy Springs Citizens Leadership Academy Graduate (2025)

·Leadership Sandy Springs Graduate (2024) 

·Leadership Sandy Springs Volunteer Mentor and Coach (2024 to present) 

·Sandy Springs Citizens’ Police Academy (2021)

·Sandy Springs Society member 

·Regular attendee and Public Comment presenter – Sandy Springs City Council meetings 

·High Point area representative for Design Guidelines Project  (2025)

·Supporter – Sandy Springs Conservancy, Solidarity Sandy Springs, Community Action Center 

 

And she has over 20 years of leadership experience volunteering for community and professional organizations across the broader community: 

·Leadership Atlanta – 2014 

·Atlanta Track Club Board of Directors – 2012 to 2021, Including President, Executive Committee and Chair of Executive Director Search Committee

·Dress for Success Atlanta – 2005 to 2012 - Served as President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair

·Technology Association of Georgia, Board member for Marketing society (2007 to 2008) and founding member of the Sales Leadership Society (2015 to 2021)

·Pathbuilders – mentor since 2015 

·OnBoard – Advocate member since 2005, mentor and founder of the Marketing Executive Roundtable 

·Girls on the Run Atlanta – volunteer and Empower Society supporter, since 2005

 

She holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Virginia and an M.A. in Telecommunications from George Washington University.

 

At home, Mary and her husband Jay Shirley enjoy hiking, running (she’s completed 15 marathons!), and traveling—but they’re always grateful to come back to the city they love.

 

Now, Mary is ready to bring her leadership, energy, and commitment to serve on the Sandy Springs City Council and help shape an even stronger future for District 5.