Business leaders join for different reasons but stay for the deep relationships, shared expertise, and unmatched business opportunities.
Our Countries are led by National Directors who believe that the right connections lead to thriving communities and economies.
National Director
National Director
Connect with a curated network of industry leaders and innovators.
Chief Executive Officer
With more than 30 years in franchising, Mary Kennedy Thompson has led businesses and franchise of all sizes. She has extensive experience in global expansion, high growth organizations, integrations, and leadership.
Prior to starting at BNI® and Corporate Connections® in 2024, Mary served as Chief Operating Officer at Neighborly®, the world’s largest home services company, where she worked since 2006.
Mary’s tenure at Neighborly included roles as Executive Vice President and President of Mr. Rooter®, their largest brand.
Mary’s career began as a multi-unit franchise owner at Cookies by Design, where she excelled in market penetration and sales, eventually becoming the brand’s President at the corporate headquarters after successfully selling her locations. While a multi-unit franchisee, she joined BNI as a Member in 1994.
Mary served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Logistics Officer. She has received numerous accolades, including the IFA’s William Rosenberg Foundation Leadership Award, The Bonny Levine Award, and the Crystal Compass award. Mary is a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and currently serves as a Board Member and Chair Elect of the IFA.
Mary’s passion for helping business owners aligns with Corporate Connections mission to support its Members and franchisees, marking her appointment as CEO as a transformational opportunity for Corporate Connections.
Connect with a curated network of industry leaders and innovators.
Chief Executive Officer
With more than 30 years in franchising, Mary Kennedy Thompson has led businesses and franchise of all sizes. She has extensive experience in global expansion, high growth organizations, integrations, and leadership.
Prior to starting at BNI® and Corporate Connections® in 2024, Mary served as Chief Operating Officer at Neighborly®, the world’s largest home services company, where she worked since 2006.
Mary’s tenure at Neighborly included roles as Executive Vice President and President of Mr. Rooter®, their largest brand.
Mary’s career began as a multi-unit franchise owner at Cookies by Design, where she excelled in market penetration and sales, eventually becoming the brand’s President at the corporate headquarters after successfully selling her locations. While a multi-unit franchisee, she joined BNI as a Member in 1994.
Mary served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Logistics Officer. She has received numerous accolades, including the IFA’s William Rosenberg Foundation Leadership Award, The Bonny Levine Award, and the Crystal Compass award. Mary is a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and currently serves as a Board Member and Chair Elect of the IFA.
Mary’s passion for helping business owners aligns with Corporate Connections mission to support its Members and franchisees, marking her appointment as CEO as a transformational opportunity for Corporate Connections.
Our Members are growing their business in exponential ways, thanks to the connections they are making in CorporateConnections.
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