Mary Lou began her career as a journalist, having worked for three regional newspapers in the Maritimes. She worked as Communications Director for a deputy prime minister and a member of Parliament, and has also managed public relations for St. Michael’s, St. Joseph’s, and Providence Hospitals in Toronto.
After joining IBC in 1990, Mary Lou spearheaded the campaign for graduated driver licensing, successfully opposed government-run auto insurance in Ontario and New Brunswick, and helped establish the Canadian Coalition Against Insurance Fraud (CCAIF). As Senior Vice-President, Issues Management and Communications, Mary Lou’s recent efforts include an ongoing consumer education program designed to improve the relationship between insurers and consumers. In addition, she is advancing the industry’s leadership in adaptation to severe weather.
Mary Lou leads the development of IBC’s strategic planning, the process that ensures that IBC addresses the priority issues of its members. Mary Lou is a published author.