Controller
Mary Gilbaugh, Phoenix Suns
From a young age Mary Gilbaugh knew she wanted to work in professional sports, but her corporate accounting career path took a few bends before her childhood dream would be realized. After running track for two years at USC, Mary confidently entered the world of corporate accounting only to realize the fifteen hour days were not for her. On November 11th, 2004 Mary’s longtime friend, USMC 2nd Lt. JP Blecksmith, was killed in Fallujah, Iraq.
Allowed a leave of absence, Mary took the opportunity to co-found the JP Blecksmith Foundation which sponsors an annual memorial 5k in San Marino, California. After returning from the leave of absence, Mary took another corporate job, always alert however, to other opportunities in her field.
What began as a “why not” application has left Mary the controller for one of the best and most exciting teams in the NBA. Although Ms. Gilbaugh enjoyed each of her previous employment opportunities, the Phoenix Suns allowed her a normal life; the responsibility in no way watered down, Mary now has free time after work to run her foundation, work out, or bring her father to Sun’s games. Her parents, both employment loyalists, were skeptical of her decision to leave, but Mary knew what she wanted, and went out and got it.
She offers this advice to those who feel career pressure from their parents “Just because it’s something [parents] don’t understand doesn’t mean that it isn’t right for you.” A job will always be repetitive, but if you are passionate about what you do and where you do it, repetition does not have to be boring.
THERE ARE 5 RESPONSES TO THIS INTERVIEW
University Update - Iraq - Mary Gilbaugh: Controlling the Cap Says:
July 10th, 2007
[…] House Link to Article iraq Mary Gilbaugh: Controlling the Cap » Posted at Pursue the Passion: The […]
Steve Says:
July 11th, 2007
I feel like I am reading about people who have boldly crossed over into their calling. Sometimes I feel like I am in a jail cell looking out through the bars when I read these stories. Life is short. Very inspirational. Kudos to you Brett, but Kudos also to those that have graciously shared their stories with all of us through your tour.
Pursue the Passion: The Journey » Blog Archive » The Official Video Archive Says:
August 30th, 2007
[…] Mary Gilbaugh- Controlling the Cap […]
Jessie Says:
February 19th, 2008
Jessie…
I think you are absolutely on track here!…
Career and Entrepreneurship Blog, By Brett Farmiloe and Zach Hubbell » Blog Archive » 5 Things I am Excited About on 2-6-09 Says:
February 6th, 2009
[…] 3) I’m excited to be going to the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns game tonight, courtesy of former PTP interviewee, Mary Gilbaugh. […]
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