“Judge less and strive to understand more.”
Mary E. S. Angst, CPA, is a distinguished financial executive whose career spans more than three decades of dedicated leadership, strategic stewardship, and transformative impact across public, private, nonprofit, and educational sectors. Throughout her 36-year career, she has established herself as a trusted advisor, a strategic thinker, and a mission-driven leader whose work consistently reflects her unwavering commitment to service and integrity. Guided by her personal motto, “Judge less and strive to understand more,” Mary brings empathy, insight, and clarity to every organization she supports, making her a highly respected figure in the communities and industries she has served.
Mary’s professional journey began in public accounting at Ernst & Young, where she quickly advanced to Senior Accountant. In this foundational chapter of her career, she gained exposure to manufacturing, wholesale industries, and nonprofit organizations while developing expertise in audits, financial reporting, and team leadership. Her early experiences shaped her analytical approach and reinforced her belief in the importance of sound financial systems as the backbone of organizational success. These early years also instilled a discipline of precision and accountability that has remained central to her leadership style.
Her transition into corporate finance at Durametallic Corporation marked the next stage of her growth as a leader. Elevated into roles such as Senior Accounting Specialist and International Accounting Supervisor, Mary managed complex global financial operations, oversaw 13 international subsidiaries, and contributed to large-scale financial analyses including acquisitions and hedge contracts. She developed a strong global perspective while functioning as Controller of the Canadian subsidiary, demonstrating her ability to navigate diverse regulatory environments and cultural contexts. These responsibilities strengthened her capacity to operate at an executive level long before she formally assumed executive titles.
Mary’s move to Wolverine Worldwide as Accounting Manager allowed her to demonstrate her abilities within a publicly held company, where she prepared financial statements for multiple divisions and generated key reporting for the SEC. Her leadership extended beyond technical accounting into budgeting, forecasting, and staff supervision. She became known for her proactive problem-solving, her ability to translate financial data into actionable insight, and her talent for elevating team performance. It was here that Mary solidified her identity as both a financial strategist and an organizational leader.
After additional consulting and accounting roles, Mary stepped into increasingly senior leadership positions that showcased her multifaceted expertise. At Stony Point Communications, she served as Finance Officer for 16 years, leading finance, tax compliance, payroll, human resources functions, and financial reporting that supported client relationships and operational success. Her ability to manage complex organizational dynamics and contribute meaningfully to long-term planning made her a vital partner to executive leadership.
Mary’s impact expanded further during her 11 years at ENG., Inc., where she served as Director of Finance and Administration and as a member of the company’s Board of Directors and seven-member Leadership Team. She oversaw every component of financial operations, HR functions, budgeting, insurance, and compliance. Among her most notable achievements were securing and achieving forgiveness for two rounds of PPP loans, obtaining significant employee retention credits, and generating more than $1 million in grants and forgiven funding for the organization. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, including policy development and regulatory compliance, demonstrated her resilience, adaptability, and commitment to organizational stability under unprecedented conditions.
Her subsequent executive roles, including Finance Director positions at Flatrock, Inc. and Hamp, Mathews & Associates, further reinforced her reputation as a transformational leader capable of revitalizing systems, strengthening financial integrity, and supporting organizations through growth and transition. In each position, she has been entrusted with full oversight of financial strategy, reporting, human resources, insurance, benefits, and operational workflows. Her work consistently reflects a balance of analytical rigor and human-centered leadership, ensuring sustainable results and strengthening organizational culture.
Beyond her executive career, Mary has devoted substantial time to education and community service. As a long-standing member of the Laingsburg Community Schools Board of Education—serving as President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Trustee—she has influenced the district’s strategic direction for more than 15 years. She has championed bond initiatives, collaborated closely with superintendents, improved district financial health, and advocated tirelessly for students and community members. Her work has contributed to meaningful improvements in educational programs, financial stability, and community engagement.
Mary also serves as a Board Member for the Laingsburg Educational Advancement Foundation, where she helps direct grantmaking efforts that enrich classroom learning experiences. Her passion for education is further reflected in her role as a former adjunct instructor at Michigan State University, where she developed and taught financial accounting courses. These experiences underscore her belief in empowering others through knowledge, mentorship, and service.
Today, in retirement from full-time executive work, Mary continues to pursue opportunities where she can apply her extensive experience to benefit organizations that align with her values. She is particularly drawn to service-based and project-oriented organizations, especially those focused on community impact, education, and nonprofit missions. Her combination of financial expertise, governance experience, and authentic leadership style makes her an exceptional candidate for board service, advisory roles, and mission-driven leadership opportunities.
Character:
Mary leads with integrity, empathy, and a deep sense of personal accountability. She approaches every relationship with respect, curiosity, and the belief that understanding others is the foundation of effective collaboration. Her commitment to ethical leadership has earned her the trust of colleagues, executives, community members, and stakeholders across every stage of her career.
Knowledge:
With 36 years of experience in accounting, finance, administration, and governance, Mary brings a comprehensive and sophisticated understanding of organizational operations. She pairs deep technical expertise with a strategic ability to interpret and communicate financial information in a meaningful way. Her background across public, private, nonprofit, and academic environments enables her to adapt her knowledge to organizations of all sizes and structures.
Strategic:
Mary is a forward-thinking leader who consistently identifies opportunities for operational improvement and long-term financial stability. She has guided organizations through periods of growth, transition, and crisis with a steady hand and a clear vision. Her strategic approach is characterized by thoughtful planning, data-driven decision-making, and an unwavering focus on sustainable results.
Communication:
Communicating with clarity, compassion, and confidence, ensuring transparency while fostering collaborative dialogue. She is skilled at translating complex financial concepts into accessible insights that support informed decision-making. Her communication style strengthens relationships, aligns teams, and empowers organizations to move forward with shared purpose.
