Mary Avery honored with Women in Management award

Mary Avery, professor of business management emerita and a certified management consultant, has received the 2016 Distinguished Woman of the Year Award from the Ripon-Green Lake Chapter of Women in Management.

The award is given to a woman who demonstrates commitment to her career goals and professional growth; exhibits the characteristics of a mentor to other women in business; demonstrates educational accomplishments and/or lifelong learning; exemplifies qualities of gifted leadership; and maintains an active role in the community. Avery is an educator, mentor, coach, leader and volunteer in the Ripon area and beyond.

She and her husband, Tom, founded and owned Business Development Services and Commercial Credit Consultants. While at Ripon College, she shared her own education and experiences with students eager to build careers in business, with an emphasis on success that includes social entrepreneurship and non-profit organizations that benefit individuals and communities.

Her Ripon College honors include the Severy Award, Ripon College Campus Communicator Award, Ripon College Faculty/Staff Mentor Award and the Ripon College Senior Award.

She served as an adviser to Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) and at the Creative Enterprise Center, as well as a coach and adviser for the Ripon College Equestrian team.

An active volunteer, Avery has served on the boards of Diverse Options, Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce, Ripon Community Development Corporation, Thrasher Opera House, League of Women Voters of the Ripon Area and Ripon Noon Kiwanis. She is part of the Ripon Entrepreneur Program for local up-and-coming business owners, as well as Ignite Business Success in Fond du Lac County.