Happy Retirement, Mary Kaye!
After years of leadership, commitment, and countless contributions to There Goes My Hero, we are celebrating the retirement of our beloved Executive Director, Mary Kaye DiUbaldo. With her bright smile and tenacious spirit, Mary Kaye served as a symbol of the dedication, hard work, and care There Goes My Hero represents. Her passion for making a difference in the lives of others and her genuine care for the expansion of the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry has inspired us all. With Mary Kaye as our beacon, the Hero employees, board members, volunteers, and those impacted by blood cancer had a guiding light as we worked together to fulfill our mission.
As we thank her for her years at Hero, we want to take a moment to honor her achievements, share some memories, and express our gratitude for the legacy she leaves behind. While we will certainly miss their presence, wisdom, and leadership, we are excited to celebrate this next chapter of her life. As Mary Kaye steps into this next chapter of her life, we wish her nothing but happiness, relaxation, and joy.
Founder & Chairman of the Board
President, On3Strategies
I first met Mary Kaye a few years before we engaged her as Executive Director. We had a lovely conversation at a coffee shop in Bel Air. At the time, it was clear she had incredible energy and experience, but Hero wasn’t yet in a position to consider a leadership change. In hindsight, we probably should have been, but timing is everything.
When our paths crossed again, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Hero had gone through a couple of iterations of leadership, none of which developed as we had hoped. Our largest partnership—Ruth’s Chris—had come to an end as the owner sold his business, and the organization was at a crossroads. There were many questions about where Hero was headed.
At the same time, my own business was growing, and I found myself stretched thin. After years of dedicating time, effort, and collaboration, I was feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to balance everything. That’s when Mary Kaye stepped in—at just the right moment, with the perfect combination of experience, energy, and alignment with Hero’s needs, my needs, and her own.
It was a perfect match. Fast forward to today: we’ve spent eight incredible years working with Mary Kaye. The organization is thriving, the board is fully engaged and deeply supportive of her leadership, and we have a fantastic team of young staff members who understand their roles and share responsibilities seamlessly.
Now, Mary Kaye has reached a point in her career where she’s ready to retire on her terms, and she’s earned it. She has positioned There Goes My Hero for continued success, implementing processes and consistency that make a transition in leadership not only possible but sustainable.
Mary Kaye is not just my colleague; she’s my friend. She’s someone I will continue to hold close, whether she’s working with Hero or out enjoying her well-deserved time with Wayne (who, by the way, I’m also a big fan of!). She’s the kind of person you’re grateful to have in your life—“good people,” as they say.
We met Mary Kaye at the right time, for Hero and for all of us. I have nothing but love and gratitude for her. Congratulations Mary Kaye!
Board Member & Former President
Chair and CEO of Gordon Feinblatt LLC
MK, I cannot thank you enough for all you have done for Hero. You took us from an organization that was on the brink of calling it quits to a thriving, well-oiled machine. I am so grateful to have had you on our team during the last 6 years, including during my presidency. Your vision, determination, leadership and love of our mission has put us in a position to continue to excel once you leave us. As sad as I am to lose you, I wish you only the best in retirement. Please don’t be a stranger (we have so much Bravo to continue to digest and discuss). Thanks again!!
President Board Member
General Counsel & Director of Compliance, Harford Mutual Insurance Group
Mary Kaye, where do I start? Let’s begin with Color the Registry. Early on, I shared my unique story with you, and you turned it into something amazing. Our work isn’t done, but starting was the hardest part. One day, everyone with this disease (regardless of their ancestry) will find a cure in the registry, thanks to your vision to start this important and necessary cause.
You’ve been a great confidant and support. Your stories of professionalism, work ethic, and motherhood have helped me make important choices.
HERO has been transformed because of you. We’ve saved lives, provided hope, and helped those with Blood Cancer due to your dedication. You can rest knowing you’ve left HERO better than you found it. Thank you for your relentless efforts, energy, and love for our mission. Best wishes for your future—you deserve it!
Board Member, Chair of Board Development
President, Pink Dog Digital
Celebrating Mary Kaye DiUbaldo’s Remarkable Impact
After more than six incredible years of dedication and service, we celebrate the retirement of Mary Kaye DiUbaldo, a tireless advocate for blood cancer patients and their families through her work with There Goes My Hero.
Mary Kaye’s unwavering commitment has touched countless lives. She has been instrumental in supporting our board, expanding our reach, and building a strong, compassionate brand that resonates throughout our community. Her ability to foster meaningful, lasting relationships has not only strengthened our organization but also created a ripple effect of hope and support for those we serve.
Thanks to Mary Kaye’s vision, leadership, and passion, There Goes My Hero has grown into a beacon of light for patients and families navigating the challenges of blood cancer. Her efforts have left an indelible mark on our organization, and we would not be where we are today without her.
While we will miss her presence day to day, Mary Kaye’s legacy will continue to inspire our mission and remind us of the power of dedication and compassion.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Mary Kaye. Enjoy this well-deserved next chapter of your life!
Board Member
Business Development & Consultant Director at SEM Wealth Management
You know what my 2023 was. Your personal advice and encouragement; simply inspirational. Thank you for motivating me. Thank you for your tireless effort to lead HERO. Thank you for your sacrifice of time, money and energy. Thank you for always being present. Thank you for your enthusiasm and infectious optimism. Thank you for making really hard decisions that most of us couldn’t or wouldn’t make. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes. Thank you for your friendship.
Thank you.
Board Member, Treasurer
Vice President, Plano-Coudon LLC
Mary Kaye, your commitment to HERO has been amazing. You are always present, motivated and give the most inspirational and heartfelt speeches at every Hero event and gathering. You have built amazing lasting relationships with everybody you work with (including my daughter) and I cannot thank you enough. You will be dearly missed! Hope you enjoy the next phase of your life.
Board Member
Partner, The Tiber Creek Group
After years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment, you’ve more than earned this next chapter. Your contributions have made a lasting impact, and your presence will be deeply missed by all of us.
As you step into this exciting new phase, I hope you find all the joy, relaxation, and fulfillment you’ve been looking forward to. May it be filled with new adventures, quality time with loved ones, and plenty of moments to pursue your passions.
At There Goes My Hero, we owe you a debt of gratitude. Your care and dedication to us, our families, and those we serve have left a lasting imprint on our hearts. Your legacy will continue to inspire us. And I will never listen to a Nelly song without thinking of you!!
Wishing you all the best in the years to come. Enjoy every moment—you’ve truly earned it! xoxo LL
Board Member
Vice President, Clark Construction
Mary Kaye – It was breakfast with you and Erik that cemented my getting involved with Hero. Thank you for the incredible way that you welcomed me aboard, teaching me about what we do, why it is important, how we can maximize our impact, and where to “lean in.” You set an example that inspired me and many others, and that will carry on in our next chapter. Best wishes to you and Wayne for a happy and healthy retirement – and know that we are just a phone call away!!
Board Member, Secretary
Associate Attorney
Mary Kaye,
Congratulations on your retirement! Your legacy of kindness, dedication, and unwavering commitment will continue to inspire everyone you’ve touched and will never be forgotten at TGMH.
From the moment I joined the board of directors, you’ve been an incredible mentor, guiding me with your wisdom and uplifting me with your friendly smile. Your versatility and passion for TGMH’s mission have been nothing short of extraordinary, and your presence will be deeply missed by all of us.
As you embark on this next chapter, I hope it brings you all the joy, adventure, and fulfillment you deserve. Best of luck with everything that lies ahead—you’ve truly made a lasting impact!
With gratitude and love,
Sean Harding
Board Member
Principal, ProfitComm Telecommunications
Mary Kaye is simply a true one of a kind person. She came to HERO at the perfect time and the results speak for themselves. She was the glue that brought all the good things together to make them great. She has the energy of a teenager, the drive of an Olympic Champion, and the heart of a lion. There are people in life that just make things better and fortunately for all involved with HERO, she is one of those people. The memories, the stories, the joys and the tears prove that you wore HERO and its mission on your sleeve. Some might even say like a cape… 🙂
Wishing you the best in your retirement, you have earned it. Not only have I enjoyed working with you towards our common goal of HERO’s mission, I’ve really enjoyed calling you friend.
Board Member
Vice President, Kelly Benefit Strategies
Mary Kaye is like my 2nd mother. She can be firm, kind, always looking out for others and bringing out the best in them. She also has no problem yelling at me in the kitchen when I am not keeping pace with service and that’s what I love about her. The day Mary Kaye arrived at TGMH is the day she saved the organization and board members who had the heart and drive to help those with blood cancer but had no direction or leadership. We are so thankful for the endless determination and drive to make TGMH a success. Everything we have today and for many years to come are because of Mary Kaye. Mary Kaye is our hero and there isn’t a cape big enough to thank her for all she has done. We will miss your leadership and making our board meetings so much fun and interactive. We will see you again because There Goes My Hero is in your blood and your endless drive to help others will never go away. We love you so much and will see you soon.
Board Member
MK,
You’re okay…. I will never forget my first month as Board President and a pandemic was declared. You helped us not panic, get creative to continue our mission of saving lives, and most of all help keep Hero moving forward. I will miss our straight talks, laughing about life’s trials & tribulations it throws our way, and most of all our dinners/networking events we attended together (especially listening to the forgotten cannoli story).
Thanks for taking hold of the ship and steering us forward these past years. Your leadership, passion for the cause, and kindness will be missed but know it will live on every day as you have helped Hero make such an impact in the community and save lives.
Grazie and I will see you at Buontempo Bros.
George
Susan Edwards
When I think about Mary Kaye, I think about her enthusiasm; enthusiasm for TGMH, her family, and life in general. This enthusiasm has always been infectious, and she has inspired everyone around her. While it’s hard to imagine TGMH without MK’s boundless energy and passion, I know she’s heading toward even greater adventures in retirement. Though she’s leaving this chapter behind, I have no doubt she’ll bring the same spark to whatever comes next.
Mary Kaye, thank you for laying such a strong foundation for us to build on! And thank you for your years of dedication and service to the community. You really are a Hero!
Community Outreach Coordinator, There Goes My Hero
Thank you so much Mary Kaye for being an amazing boss, leader, and friend. When I first started at There Goes My Hero, I was overwhelmed and scared for my first time in the “real” world post-grad. You gave me the foundational skills I needed to be the best Hero employee I could be, as well as a mentor for my career to come. You showed me what it’s like to be passionate about a cause and what it means to make a difference in people’s lives. Thanks to you, I’ve watched myself learn and grow in such a short period of time— more than I ever thought I could.
I hope this next chapter brings you joy and MUCH needed relaxation. I look forward to bothering you with the most mundane questions about Hero and pop culture gossip.
Congratulations on your retirement, Mary Kaye!
Andrea Hernandez
Volunteer and Color the Registry Coordinator at There Goes My Hero
Happy Retirement, Mary Kaye! While I’m sad to see you go, I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside a kind, passionate leader like you. You have shown me how to grow, not just in my career, but my personal life as well, and for that, I am so thankful. I would not have imagined myself in the position that I am in today without your guidance. You have left an incredible long-lasting impact not just on There Goes My Hero, but everyone fortunate enough to cross your path, and you will be greatly missed.
Wishing you all the best in this next chapter of your life—you truly deserve it. I’ll be sure to keep in touch, and I’m looking forward to hearing about all the exciting things you’ll do next!