Mary Poland is an active philanthropist and leader who believes in equitable access to arts, higher education, and public lands. Her charitable support is both generous and strategic, but she truly enjoys being a role model for volunteerism.

Poland has over 40 years of board leadership experience at prestigious institutions. In 2018, she was elected president of the San Francisco Opera Guild Board, which she joined in 1983. Her leadership positions have included vice president of development, treasurer, and vice president of administration. She is currently a Board of Trustee for the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and sits on the boards of NatureBridge, the Buck (Institute) Advisory Council, and the NorCal Advisory Council for Georgetown University. Highlights of Mary’s previous board acquisitions include the Board of Regents and Executive Council at Georgetown University; San Francisco Education Fund Advisory Council; Board of Trustee at the Marin Art and Garden Center; Board Member of Pivot Learning Partners; and the San Francisco Opera.

Originally from Mercer Island, Washington, Poland graduated from the University of Washington with an accounting degree. In 1976, the San Francisco Bay Area became her home when she relocated there to begin a successful career in accounting at KPMG. She later moved on to marketing and finance at GATX Leasing Corporation.

In Marin County, California she met the love of her life, Bill Poland, and they married in 1981. They are proud parents of Stratton (B’13). The three of them often travel as a family, immersing themselves in the local culture and environment wherever they go.