50 Leading Women: Mary Jo Dean

In honor and celebration of our Women’s Division‘s 50th Anniversary, we will be spotlighting 50 Leading Women making an impact, raising their voice, and leading the next generation of women in the workforce and Plano community.

Introducing, Mary Jo Dean, Director of Community Relations for Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano. To know Plano, is to know Mary Jo. Originally from Illinois, Mary Jo has since put down deep roots and committed herself to the health & sustainability of the Plano community. For the last nearly 12 years, Mary Jo has served as the Director of Community Relations for Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano. Due in part to her role in the community and ongoing leadership, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano was named the 2015 Outstanding Corporation Citizen of the Year by the Plano Chamber. She remained a fearless leader and staunch supporter of healthcare workers as our world reckoned with the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to her time with Texas Health, she was in hospital administration at Medical City of Plano. Outside of her career, Mary Jo followed her passion for service and volunteerism by previously serving as President of Junior League of Collin County, Chair of the Plano Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, graduate of Leadership Plano Class 6, member of the Plano Rotary Club…the list has no limits. Her efforts, impact, and leadership have been noticed and celebrated as she was named the 2002 ATHENA Award winner and the 2006 Citizen of the Year by the Plano Chamber of Commerce. As her friend, Jo Via once said “…it might be a kazillion the number of hours Mary jo has devoted to the community.” Here is to the next kazillion!

1. Do you remember your first time attending one of our Women’s Division events? Tell us about that experience and what made you want to come back.

I attended my first Women’s Division meeting in 1982 through an invitation from a friend. At the time I was not employed outside the home and it was a great opportunity to meet business and community leaders and learn more about Plano through the monthly programs.

2. Describe your leadership style and how you lead others.

My leadership style is collaboration and compromise.  There is always more than one right way to accomplish a goal or implement a project.  All voices should be heard and considered when decisions are made.  Strategic thinking is also a key component of my leadership style.

3. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?

Developing leadership skills takes place over a period of time and is not an instant accomplishment. Build relationships!   Take advantage of any professional development opportunities that are offered within your company or in the community.  Attend meaningful events and forums.  Discover ways to develop your personal strengths which will grow your leadership skills.

 4. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?

One of the biggest joys I have had as a leader was serving as Chairman of the Board of the Plano Chamber. I also appreciated the opportunity to serve as President of the Junior League of Plano (now Collin County), the first women president of the Plano Rotary Club, and the first women president of the Board of Trustees of Jesuit College Preparatory Hight School.  Each of these roles was challenging but very personally fulfilling.

5. What strategies could be used to promote inclusion in the workplace?

Creating a work environment where everyone has an opportunity to fully participate in contributing to business success and where each person’s contribution is valued for their distinctive skills, experiences, and perspectives is key to inclusion.  Learn, understand and appreciate the various cultures, beliefs and experiences others bring to the workplace.  Education and knowledge help us to appreciate the diversity of the workforce and to be inclusive.

6. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

To be a leader, there are times when you have to take risks.  Don’t be afraid to take that risk!  You don’t know at the time where it might lead you!

7. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Develop strong communication skills, both written and spoken.  Be professional at all times; in the way you dress and the way you present yourself.  Be relational; always open to meeting new people.  Take advantage of networking opportunities to learn and to grow your personal brand.

8. What do you want to be remembered for? 

I hope I am remembered as someone who exemplified the Texas Health values of respect, integrity, compassion and excellence and made a difference in the lives of others!  My faith and my family have been priorities in my life and others know that about me. The opportunity to be a volunteer and a community leader , a servant leader, brought meaning to my life and were recognized.