Mary K. McMahon, Director of Finance and Operations
What I Do
I support the entire department.
Origins
I am originally from Chicago, where I worked at Northwestern University in the medical school and built a strong background in NIH grants. I did not move to California until I was 46, at which point I took on the role of Center Director at the Stanford Genome Technology Center. In 2008, I needed to return to Chicago to provide elder care. When I was able to come back to California in 2010, I was fortunate to find an opening for the EE Finance Officer position, which I accepted. About a year later, I was promoted to the Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) when that position became available.
I hold a BS in Business Management, which I completed while working full-time at the age of 31. My varied work experience includes roles as a waitress and bartender, as well as working in the factory at Wrigley Gum, where I operated forklifts, rolled 300-pound barrels of sugar, and made the gum. I also worked in Accounts Receivable for a wallpaper paste company and later managed multiple DOD grants in a one-faculty lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago. My career path has taken me from there to Northwestern, then to Stanford, back to Northwestern, and finally back to Stanford.
My EExperience
Although Electrical Engineering is one of the largest departments at the University, I believe we are less segmented compared to other departments. When I first joined EE, staff members from Allen/AllenX were not familiar with those in Packard, much less anyone from Gates or the Clark Center. However, that has changed significantly as we've made a concerted effort to foster a sense of community. Knowing that there are colleagues who support each other and share the department's mission truly enhances the experience of working at Stanford.
Outside of Work
In my free time, I enjoy creating ceramics through hand-building techniques, using underglazes to add vibrant colors and textures. I've always loved coloring, and it seems that's a passion I've never outgrown!
Favorite Spot
I arrive at work around 6:30 AM and often walk through the engineering quad. On a clear day, I’m fortunate to catch the sunrise, which can be breathtaking—just take a look at the photo! Off campus, my favorite spot is along the ocean, either in Half Moon Bay or Santa Cruz. It reminds me of standing on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago.
Sunrise in the engineering quad.
In Scotland!
In Linz!
I stand behind our staff and faculty!