Martinez Joins Staff as Director of Governmental Affairs and Engagement
Mary Ann Martinez has been hired to join the Cook County Farm Bureau as Director of Governmental Affairs and Engagement. Mary Ann brings more than a decade of stakeholder engagement, government, and legislative relations experience, primarily through multi-state work, with additional exposure at the local and federal level.
Mary Ann said, “I am honored to join the Cook County Farm Bureau Team and eager to bring my background in governmental affairs, engagement, leadership development and policy advocacy to members and the Farm Bureau’s mission.
Throughout her career, Mary Ann has built relationships with elected officials, managed multi-state advocacy campaigns, and organized high-profile policy events and stakeholder convenings.
She has held government relations roles with national nonprofit organizations and public policy think tanks, where she developed expertise in coordinating advocacy initiatives, engaging directly with lawmakers, and building coalitions with professional associations and community and industry partners across the Midwest. Mary Ann has also served as a registered lobbyist in multiple states, giving her firsthand experience navigating the legislative process on behalf of the organizations and members she represents.
Mary Ann holds a Master of Public Administration from Arkansas State University and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate from the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Saint Xavier University. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Aurora University, where she teaches public policy analysis and government relations to the next generation of public administrators.
Bob Rohrer, CCFB Manager, said “We are thrilled to bring Mary Ann’s skills and broad experience to the Cook County Farm Bureau to support the efforts of the organization in the areas of Governmental Affairs, Political Action Committee, Public Relations and Leadership Development/Engagement “.
Mary Ann can be reached by calling the Cook County Farm Bureau at 708-354-3276 or through email at [email protected]