Mary Owen-Thomas leads communications strategy that highlights MxD’s work to modernize and secure the U.S. industrial base. As a former journalist, Mary has extensive experience in translating complex topics into compelling narratives. Her career has spanned a range of sectors, including federal government, technology, economic development, higher education, and nonprofits. Prior to MxD, Mary was regional communications director for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), leading messaging for the Great Lakes Region and supporting SBA’s Made in America Manufacturing Initiative. At the U.S. Department of Commerce, Mary managed communications for flagship programs, including Tech Hubs and CHIPS for America, bridging federal priorities with industry and regional stakeholders. Before federal service, Mary was communications manager at the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), where she amplified university research about engineering, science, and computing. Mary began her career as a journalist, spending 15+ years writing about public policy, crime, business, and education for the Chicago Tribune, Detroit Free Press, ABC7-TV Chicago, and other outlets. She is a former Peace Corps volunteer and past board member of the National Peace Corps Association.