Meet a Staffer: Mary Ieng

Name: Mary Ieng 
Title: Community Engagement Manager 
Department: Community Engagement 
Years at the Association: Less than 1 Year 
Email address: mary.ieng@autocare.org 
Words to live by/motto: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi 

How did you get your start at the Auto Care Association?  

After taking a break in my career to focus on raising my new family, I transitioned back to seeking a full-time opportunity to return to the association management field.  

What are your work duties at the association?  

I manage the industry’s dynamic and vibrant community of under-40 Young Professionals Network Group (YANG). I serve as the bridge between the council members and the rest of the association. This includes overseeing their marketing, promotion, current initiatives and annual events. I provide direct support, coordinate resources, and implement council decisions to ensure the association is delivering the value needed by our young professionals.  

In which department do you work? What are the key responsibilities of the department?  

I work in the community engagement department, which falls within the meetings and events division. 

Where did you go to college? What did you study?

I went to West Chester University of Pennsylvania and earned a degree in Finance with honors. I also obtained my master's degree in leadership development from Penn State, Great Valley with honors. (I am the first of my extended family to earn a master’s degree.) 

Where else have you worked (what jobs/positions/locations)?  

I have worked in different nonprofit sectors ranging from real estate to project managers, to parks and recreation. All my positions have been within membership retention and engagement.  

Where did you grow up and what are some interesting details about your life before working at the association?  

I was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tenn. during my early youth. Since then, I have moved around several times from the West Coast to the East Coast before my parents laid down roots in West Chester, Pa. My parents were always self-employed due to limited education and language barriers. I grew up working since I was 14 and developed a strong work ethic early on. I know first-hand the sacrifices and hardships my parents endured having to build a new life from nothing.  

What is your favorite part about working at the association? What are the biggest rewards?

I have worked in numerous nonprofit organizations of various sizes. My favorite part about working at this association is the access to state-of-the-art technology incorporated to help staff perform better in their day-to-day. This also ensures we provide quality service to advance our members! 

What unique qualities do you feel you bring to the Auto Care Association?  

The best quality I offer is the ability to remain consistently poised and tactful during times of inevitable change. Priding myself in thoroughness and diligence ensures my work serves the needs of our members. 

What are your long-range professional goals for both you and the Auto Care Association?  

 Eventually, I’d like to pursue the Certificated Association Executive (CAE) certification to continue my passion within the nonprofit sector. I look forward to furthering my commitment to elevating our professionalism as well as improving organizational performance as a team. 

What do you feel are the biggest rewards of working in the auto care industry?

We are HUGE! Knowing our membership and supply chain network spans across the globe is the biggest reward of this thriving industry. Our strength in numbers allows any automotive aftermarket company to benefit from what we do. 

Tell us about your life outside of work (family, hobbies, home, etc.).

I have been married for 12 years and reside in northern Maryland. We have two boys (age 11 and 10) who enjoy playing in basketball and soccer leagues year-round. When we are not devoted fans of their youth sports, we love to travel together seeking journeys to explore new beaches! We are never Vitamin-D deficient! 

Tell us a few fun facts about you that would surprise people (special skills, awards, accomplishments, etc.).

I am first-generation American of Chinese-Cambodian descent. My family were Cambodian refugees who survived the mass atrocities of the Khmer Rouge genocide from 1975-1979,  which attempted to force a nation into a classless, agrarian society. I am truly fortunate to have a strong-willed family who has taught me in so many ways how to find strength to cope and heal from tremendous suffering. Ultimately, these developed qualities for me to progress and build a better life.