Mary F. Seeley
Published: March 11, 2010
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A culture of independent thinking
Mary F. Seeley, executive director of the Devereux Pocono Center for the past 23 years, began her career there as nurse in 1983.
Devereux Pocono began modestly as an intermediate care facility with a staff of 33. Today, in response to community and marketplace needs, Devereux Pocono is located in three counties, providing children with behavioral health programs, school-to-community transition programs, multiple community adult group homes, adult pre-vocational programs, and an adult day center serving over 200 individuals.
As executive director, Seeley is responsible for the overall operations of Devereux Pocono, which includes, but is not limited to, program quality, organizational and program development, marketing, customer service, human resources, finance and development, with 10 direct reports and a total staff of 170.
“The success of Devereux Pocono is not the result of one person. Strong leadership, coupled with solid strategic planning and prudent forward-moving growth in a difficult funding environment is not an easy task. The quality and integrity of our programs is driven by Devereux’s mission, core values and a talented staff — our greatest asset,” she said.
Seeley has high expectations of herself and those around her. She is goal oriented and results-driven. “I promote a culture of independent thinking and creativity with direct reports. I listen and have learned very early that you are only as good as the people who work for you.”
Described by her employees as “outcome driven and forward thinking,” she thrives on seeing the big picture, which helps her adapt to ever-changing environments.
Some of her greatest learning experiences, she said, have come from supervisors challenging her abilities. She lives by the words: “Believe in yourself.”
She is truly blessed with a “wonderful” family— husband, Don, and two children, Brittany and Justin — and has received great support from them. “The key is to maintain a positive work/life balance. Although it is easier said than done, the need to be flexible and manage time wisely is something I always need to keep in mind,” she said.
Her interests include traveling, boating and reading.
