By Kris Smith
Mary Kennedy Thompson’s passion is more than it seems.
Thompson was from a large family, raised by strict parents, she learned early on about service to others. Joining the United States Marine Corps as an officer after graduating from the University of Texas she continued the family tradition of service her father gave to the U.S. Army.
After serving in the Marines, her position as Logistics Officer offered education and experience that would continue after serving eight years.
Mary Thompson currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of BNI – Business Network International, the world’s largest business referral networking organization with more than 337,000 Members in 77 countries.’ Prior to that she was part of Neighborly ®, the largest home services company in the world most recently serving as its Chief Operating Officer.
Now, with more than thirty years in franchising, Mary’s passion for helping others find their dream begins with one statement. ‘Find what you love to do.’
She stated, “Franchising helps to create the American Dream. I am blessed to do what I love doing.” She started her career as a multi-franchise owner of the brand Cookies by Design, eventually serving as the brand’s President.
Thompson, alongside husband Navarro County District Attorney Will Thompson, is responsible for creating the ‘Gracefull Giving Foundation, a charity of their dedication to community. She stated, “We have always believed the money we have isn’t ours to keep. Our job is to be good stewards of that money to give back to our community as much as possible.” Gracefull Giving’s focus is on education, first responders and veterans, and child abuse prevention – tenets that are very dear to the hearts of the Thompson’s.
Mary met her partner in life, love, and service in college. She said proudly, “The best thing I ever did was marry that man.”
Together, they raised their children, and for the last seven years, they have made their home in Navarro County.
She said, “It wase a community we wanted to be a part of. We appreciate how Navarro County pulls together. The salt of the earth people of Navarro County shows up for their community.”
Six years ago, Mary Thompson was in a group of women she calls The Unapologetically Authentic, where the idea for a Pay It Forward Dinner during the holidays came to fruition.
In the last six years, the PIF Dinner has grown from six the first year and the goal is to fill Waffle House with local women who want to help others who were working hard. Since the first dinner, fifteen more groups have continued this tradition across social media.
She stated, “I find that I walk away so much happier. It is a great way to start the holiday season with some extra cheer.”
Mary Kennedy is definitely a Woman of Worth in her community.