Mary Ellen McNish was appointed the general secretary of the American Friends Service Committee by its Board of Directors in June of 2000. In this position, she is responsible for the administration of programs and projects in more than 22 countries and 46 cities in the United States.

“Peace, justice and humanitarian assistance represent the bedrock of our mission,” she states. “With a common vision as our centerpiece, AFSC will move into the future bolstered by a new world wide coordination. This depth and quality will bring sustained organizational growth and a renewed sense of hope and accomplishment.”

Prior to this position, Mary Ellen was the executive director of development at Weil Medical College of Cornell University and New York Presbyterian Hospital and the assistant vice-president for development at Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, PA.

Mary Ellen has over twenty years of progressive responsibility in non-profit management. She has worked for the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Camden County, New Jersey and the Burlington County (NJ) Community Action Agency. A former chief operating officer of Planned Parenthood of Maryland, Mary Ellen spent thirteen years as an educator with public school districts and Head Start programs.

Mary Ellen has served for more than a decade in several roles in Friends General Conference including assistant presiding clerk. She has also served as clerk of Byberry Friends Meeting. She is an experienced public speaker and has particular strengths in strategic planning, fundraising, team building, operations, and organizational development.

Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Mary Ellen holds a B.S. degree in education from East Stroudsburg University and a M.S. degree in business from John Hopkins University.

Mary Ellen lives in Philadelphia.

Show full bio

Hide full bio