We sat down with our new President and CEO, Mary Grams, to get to know her a little better. Here’s what she shared with us.
Where did you grow up? And where do you call home?
I grew up in Elk River, Minnesota, and now I proudly call Charlotte, North Carolina, home.
What was your first job and what did it teach you?
My very first job was waitressing at the local A&W. I was a carhop—on roller skates—with a change belt around my waist. That job taught me I’m full of energy, I love helping people, and I thrive when I’m around others. It also taught me something I’ve carried through my life: kindness is the best thing you can give.
Can you walk us through a little bit of your career path leading up to this role at ALS United and share a bit about your personal connection to ALS and how it shaped your journey?
My mother passed away from ALS in 1997. Before she passed, I promised her I would do whatever I could to help prevent others from going through what our family did. I began walking in the Walk to Defeat ALS in 1998 in Minnesota, and when I moved to North Carolina, I kept participating. I always knew that if I left the sports world, it would be to work with ALS in a nonprofit capacity. That opportunity came on March 10th, the anniversary of my mother’s passing, which made it feel like fate.
What excites you most about joining ALS United and what do you hope people feel when they meet you?
What excites me most is the chance to make a real difference—to work toward a cure, but also to help people live with ALS in ways my family didn’t have available when my mom passed. I hope people feel my sincerity and know I truly understand what they’re going through. I want them to feel I’m here for them, wholeheartedly.
What’s one word your friends would use to describe you? And would you agree with them?
“Energetic.” And honestly, that’s the calm word for me!
What’s your go-to coffee or tea order?
A soy latte, every time.
Do you have a morning routine or ritual that helps you start your day off right?
I do! I’m a creature of habit. Every morning, I juice celery with cucumber and lemon while I’m getting ready. Then in the car, I have my soy latte and a protein muffin. Same routine, every single day.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
Two things: First, I’m extremely competitive and love all kinds of games, card games, board games, you name it. I’ll play all night if that’s what it takes to win! Second, I once sent in a tape to be a contestant on Deal or No Deal many years ago.
Is there a book, podcast, or show that’s had a big impact on you recently?
Yes! The Book of Signs by Laura Lynn Jackson is phenomenal. It’s about recognizing signs from loved ones who have passed.
We touched on your morning routine. What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day?
Yoga or a peaceful evening walk.
You’re more of a beach or a mountain person?
Definitely mountains. I love hiking and walking in nature.
Who’s your favorite musician or band you never get tired of?
I love all kinds of music, but country is my go-to. George Strait has always been a favorite, and Alabama is a band I saw in high school that I still listen to all the time.
If you could have dinner with any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
It would be one of the grandparents I’ve never met. Unfortunately, all of my grandparents had passed, so I never got to meet them. I’d love the chance to ask them questions about my parents.
What’s something you absolutely cannot stand or a pet peeve that drives you a little nuts?
People who text at stop signs or red lights and don’t notice when it’s time to go!
Do you have any pets?
Yes! I have a little rescue Chorky (Chihuahua–Yorkie mix) named Tica. She’s like, my ride or die, and my husband always gives me a hard time about this, I take her everywhere with me. She’s five pounds, and so she fits in the purse. And if I can take her with me, she’s there.
In the scale of things. Just to follow up, it’s Tica, then your husband, then everyone else?
Absolutely! He always asks this question: “If people asked you if a train was coming and you could save your husband or your dog, which would you save?” My answer is always the same: “She’s five pounds and you can run!”
What’s your guilty pleasure—TV show, movie, or snack?
Snack-wise, I’m usually a healthy eater, but I cannot resist corn nuts or chili cheese Fritos—and I don’t stop at just a handful. TV-wise, I love Friends, Seinfeld, and The Big Bang Theory. I’ve seen every Friends episode a thousand times and still watch them.
Do you have a favorite movie?
Brian’s Song. I first heard about Brian Piccolo as a child because we knew someone who knew him. I had read the book, and when the movie came out, it really touched me—and I still tear up whenever I hear the theme song.
What’s one app on your phone you can’t live without, besides email?
Maps. Without it, I’d be lost—literally.
Is there a quote or mantra that motivates or guides you?
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” I’ve lived by that my whole life.
What do you hope your legacy will be—not just as a leader, but as a person?
I’ve spent my entire life making sure that people know how valuable they are in my life, whether it’s business or personal, and I hope that I impact people knowing that they are just valued at whatever capacity they have known me, that they remember me, that I value their friendship, I value their guidance, their leadership, but I’m a very genuine person, and people know that. I just want people to remember no matter what they are, where they go they’re always valued.