Mary O’Neill is the Chief Administrative Officer at Shift Work Forward, where she leads the organization’s financial, administrative, and human resources strategy in service of its mission and racial equity values. She brings more than two decades of experience building strong, effective organizations focused on social change.
Mary oversees finance, operations, human resources, compliance, technology, and administrative systems, serving as a strategic partner to the executive team and board. Under her leadership, the organization has significantly strengthened its operational infrastructure—improving efficiency, clarity, and consistency across systems that support staff, partners, and funders. Her work has enhanced financial management, streamlined internal processes, and positioned the organization to operate more smoothly and sustainably as its scope and impact grow.
Prior to joining Shift Work Forward, Mary held senior leadership roles at organizations including O’Brien Garrett, United Philanthropy Forum, the Kaiser Family Foundation, Families USA’s Health Assistance Partnership, Georgetown University’s National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health, and the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation. Across these roles, she led national initiatives, managed multi‑million‑dollar budgets, and built operational capacity for complex networks and programs.
Education
- Master of Public and International Affairs (Economic and Social Development) — University of Pittsburgh
- Certificate, Nonprofit Management — University of Pittsburgh
- Bachelor of Arts, International Studies and Spanish — Bradley University
- Academic Year Abroad — Complutense University of Madrid