When Mary Lynne Reynolds heard about Impact100 South Jersey from her long-time friends Nancy Weber and Kyle Ruffin, she knew she wanted to join. While attending Simmons University, a women’s college, Mary Lynne learned to appreciate the limitless energy and possibilities of female collaboration. “I was naturally drawn to Impact100 SJ as it offered the prospect of being part of a diversified group of women coming together to share their time, talents and resources to address critical needs in our community.”
Mary Lynne has a long history of community service, from spearheading fundraising events as a teenager, to working on the Ivory Coast in West Africa as a member of the Peace Corps, and going on to have a successful career in the non-profit world of serving those in need. “Throughout my life, I have been actively involved with numerous community service agencies, whether as a staff member, board member, or volunteer, and those experiences have expanded my horizons in countless ways.”
Having joined in 2017, Mary Lynne is a charter member of Impact100 SJ and has been an engaged volunteer in a number of capacities. For the past two years, she has served on the Membership Committee, coordinating community information sessions to recruit new members, as well as being the lead speaker at some of the sessions. Mary Lynne has also served on the Grant Review Committee for both the 2019 and 2020 grant years, reviewing grant applications and making finalist recommendations for the Education and Arts & Culture Focus Areas.
Interacting with accomplished women from all walks of life is one of the things Mary Lynne finds most rewarding about being an Impact100 SJ member. She’s also expanded her awareness of the remarkable work being done by non-profit agencies in Southern New Jersey, and enjoys participating in a process that provides needed financial resources to support creative and effective programs that improve the quality of life for members of our community.
“I recently retired after 25 years as the Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Southwestern New Jersey. Being an active member of Impact100 SJ has been a perfect fit for my interests, skills and experiences, and is consistent with my life-long interests and how I’ve lived my life.”
Mary Lynne and her husband Dave are long-time residents of Medford, and have two sons and 4 grandchildren. Mary Lynne’s other community activities include active membership in the Rotary Club of Camden and volunteering for the Cathedral Kitchen in Camden. She has recently joined the Board of Directors for Women of the Dream, a Camden based non-profit agency, that works to break the cycle of poverty by providing invaluable services such as mentoring, life skills, college prep programs and other activities to help young girls realize their full potential.
Mary Lynne’s passions include international travel, walking, and spending quality time with family and friends.