Tony talks to Mary-Frances Wain about the role of Chief Engagement Officer in the nonprofit world

Mary-Frances Wain is Chief Engagement Officer at Prosperity Now where she leads philanthropy, community engagement, marketing and communications. Mary-Frances joined the Prosperity Now executive team in August 2020, capping a twenty-five year career dedicated to expanding and ensuring opportunities for every person to achieve their full potential, with a demonstrated track record in leading communications and philanthropic initiatives to foster lasting change. As a result of her work on global, national, and local levels, she is recognized for her innovative and collaborative leadership and commitment to inspiring and building leadership in others. Mary-Frances has specific expertise in capacity building for organizations and ideas that empower marginalized communities.

Prior to joining Prosperity Now, Mary-Frances was Senior Vice President of External Affairs at the National Women’s Law Center where she led the development and marketing and communications teams to build visibility and support for gender and racial justice through law, policy and culture change, including for the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund. Mary-Frances Wain has also held executive leadership positions with the United Nations Foundation, UNA-USA, the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, the National Museum of Women in the Arts and Suited for Change.

Mary-Frances is an accomplished speaker with credits including remarks at the United Nations, the Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society, Association for Fundraising Professionals and numerous corporate and private events. Mary-Frances is an alumnus of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. She is active with numerous nonprofit organizations in volunteer and leadership capacities. Mary-Frances is an avid runner and resides in Washington, DC with her husband, their 15-year old son and his seven-year-old labradoodle.