Women's Forum Biographies

Mary Power

Executive Director
Human Resource Certification Institute

Mary Power is currently the Executive Director of the Human Resource Certification Institute(HRCI) The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) is the leading independent, internationally recognised certifying body for the HR profession. HRCI certifications require professionals to demonstrate their expertise in the core principles of HR practice and the application of those principles. At present over 80,000 HR professionals carry one of the HRCI professional designations. Power is responsible for developing and implementing the strategic direction of the organisation and overseeing the global expansion of their certification programme.

Prior to joining HRCI Mary was the  President and CEO of the Convention Industry Council (CIC) for seven years.  She was responsible for the strategic direction and implementation of CIC’s various programmes, including the Global Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program, the Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) initiative and the Hall of Leaders programme.

Power has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and in association volunteer leadership. She has held leadership positions at the chapter level of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).  She recently finished her term on the ASAE Center for Association Leadership Board of Directors and currently serves on the Michigan State University School of Hospitality Business Alumni Board.

Most recently, Mary Power was selected by Meeting News magazine as one of the 25 most influential people in the meetings industry in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. She was selected by Tradeshow Week Magazine as one of the 25 most influential women to know in the meetings industry in 2003 and in 2005. In 2005 she was selected by NYSAE as one of the top five outstanding women industry executives and Business Travel News chose her as one of the 25 most influential executives in the business travel industry.