Mary Scarbrough is a seasoned Human Resources executive with over 30 years of experience in transforming HR operations into strategic assets that drive organizational success. Known for her ability to blend high-level strategy with operational excellence, Mary has led HR functions across diverse sectors, including professional services, engineering, manufacturing, and HVAC. Her expertise in building high-performance cultures, implementing talent management strategies, and leading organizational change has positioned her as a trusted advisor to executives and business leaders alike.
In her current role as Chief People Officer at True Environmental Holdings LLC, Mary oversees the company’s human resources strategies with a strong focus on mergers and acquisitions. She manages talent assessments and HR due diligence, supporting seamless integration for acquired firms. With an emphasis on alignment with strategic and operational goals, Mary helps the organization and its portfolio companies streamline their HR processes to meet business objectives and accelerate growth.
Prior to her role at True Environmental, Mary served as Chief Human Resources Officer at S&ME, Inc., where she developed and executed an HR strategy that aligned closely with the company’s long-term business goals. Leading a team of 18 HR professionals, she was instrumental in implementing programs that strengthened succession planning, improved talent management, and fostered change management across S&ME’s 1,100 employees. Her contributions as a strategic business partner to the CEO and the executive team helped elevate HR’s role in driving company-wide impact.
Mary’s tenure at WSP USA as Vice President of Human Resources underscored her capacity to manage large-scale transformations. She directed HR initiatives for the Transportation sector, impacting nearly 5,000 employees nationwide. By spearheading diversity and inclusion initiatives, creating leadership development programs, and focusing on talent retention, she helped reshape the organizational culture to meet evolving business demands.
Her leadership journey also includes pivotal roles at AECOM and Ingersoll Rand, where she held numerous senior HR positions. At AECOM, Mary oversaw talent acquisition for 22,000 employees across the Americas and successfully implemented operational efficiencies that reduced recruitment timelines and enhanced talent pipelines. Her work at Ingersoll Rand highlighted her cross-functional expertise, as she supported finance, operations, and HR, championing Six Sigma methodologies and process improvements that drove millions in revenue and operational savings.
An advocate for continuous improvement, Mary employs Six Sigma methodologies in her approach to HR as a strategic lever for productivity and organizational effectiveness. Her background in continuous improvement is evident in her leadership style, where she emphasizes data-driven decision-making, process reengineering, and employee engagement to achieve sustainable results.
Beyond her technical and strategic prowess, Mary is recognized for her commitment to employee engagement and development. She has implemented various training and leadership development programs, including the Emerging Leader Development Program in Latin America, which has nurtured talent and prepared the next generation of leaders. Her approach to talent management is deeply people-centric, reflecting her belief that engaged, empowered employees are the cornerstone of organizational success.
With a robust educational foundation, Mary holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Roberts Wesleyan University and has pursued advanced studies in Business Administration at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Her dedication to lifelong learning and her high standards for personal and professional growth have earned her multiple honors, including membership in the Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society.
Mary’s commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and growth has left a lasting impact on the organizations she has served. Whether leading large teams, navigating complex mergers, or designing innovative HR programs, she is driven by a mission to inspire and enable others to reach their full potential.
Character:
Mary is a compassionate and dedicated leader who genuinely values the potential in every individual, consistently fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and growth. She leads by example, inspiring others to strive for excellence while prioritizing collaboration and mutual respect within her teams.
Knowledge:
With 33 years of extensive HR experience, Mary possesses deep expertise in talent management, organizational development, and process improvement, making her an invaluable resource to any organization. Her comprehensive background in multiple industries and functions allows her to implement innovative, impactful HR solutions.
Strategic:
Mary’s strategic insight enables her to align HR initiatives with broader business objectives, positioning human resources as a central driver of organizational success. She excels at developing and executing HR strategies that support growth, efficiency, and long-term resilience.
Communication:
Mary is an effective communicator with a clear, persuasive style that resonates across all organizational levels, from executive coaching to employee engagement. Her ability to convey complex ideas in a relatable way supports her success in building cohesive teams and implementing meaningful HR programs.
