In recognition of her decades of service and leadership in the community, Mary Riedel was recently named the 2016 recipient of The Jim Moran Foundation Award. She was presented with a bronze sculpture and an unrestricted $50,000 grant to Women In Distress of Broward County, the nonprofit of her choice.
Mary has served as President and CEO of Women In Distress — one of the largest, full-service domestic violence centers in Florida — since 2008 and was formerly a member of its Board of Directors as well as its Board Chair. Previously, she worked for Nova Southeastern University (NSU) as its Director of Major Gifts and Sun Sentinel as Community Affairs Manager and Publisher of its Society sections.
During her nearly 20 years at Sun Sentinel, she encouraged community involvement as a key strategy and served on a number of nonprofit boards throughout her career including United Way of Broward County, Community Foundation of Broward, Broward Public Library Foundation and NSU's Sherman Library Circle of Friends, ArtServe, Miami City Ballet Funding Arts Broward, as well as other business and professional groups.
"I have long been inspired by the vision and philanthropy of Jim and Jan Moran and have been so privileged to have their support and friendship over the years in my many community ventures. So it is especially meaningful to receive this recognition from The Jim Moran Foundation. It is a highlight of my community career here in South Florida," said Mary Riedel. "It is truly an honor to now be leading Women In Distress at the Jim and Jan Moran Family Center campus and see how so many community initiatives have been able to achieve more because of the support from The Jim Moran Foundation."
Since moving to South Florida nearly 30 years ago, Mary dedicated herself to getting to know the community and becoming an integral part of creating opportunities for others to succeed. With a hands-on approach, she is steadfast in her work — whether hammering nails at a volunteer improvement project or tirelessly fundraising for a capital campaign.
"Over the years, Mary has made so many selfless and significant contributions to improving the lives of others," said Jan Moran, chairman and president of The Jim Moran Foundation. "Most recently, she has helped Women In Distress expand into what it is today — a safe haven for individuals and families in crisis — and in my heart, I know Jim would agree how very deserving she is of this recognition."
The Jim Moran Foundation established this annual award in 2003 to acknowledge those who have a history of giving back to their community through active service and personal commitment. The individuals must exemplify the characteristics of the mission of The Foundation, reflect proven accomplishments that address real community needs and/or concerns, and inspire others to embrace civic and charitable responsibility in meeting the needs of their community.
