Mary DeMann: Leading with Connection in AEC Marketing

Director of Marketing for Commissioning and Sustainability | Resolut

Mary DeMann believes strong relationships are the foundation of great marketing. With a background in project management and a collaborative spirit, she brings a people-first approach to her role at Resolut—a unified firm formed in late 2024 through the merger of Van Boerum & Frank Associates and BNA Consulting. Mary leads marketing for commissioning and sustainability, with a focus on helping technical teams communicate their value in the K-12 and healthcare sectors. She’s proof that the best marketers are leaders who elevate others to make their teams stronger.

How did you get started in the AEC industry?

I was a project manager for the software engineering team at Marriott, where I led the software team and handled marketing to Marriott’s external business partners and clients. After 20 years, I realized I wanted to focus more on the marketing side rather than software.
My brother, who also works at Resolut, suggested I might be a good fit for the company’s culture and introduced me to Lori Haglund.

Although I wasn’t new to marketing, I was new to the AEC industry. It’s a complex, fascinating, and incredibly dynamic field—there’s never a dull moment! I’m especially grateful that I’ve had Lori in my corner every step of the way.

Who has been your mentor or had the most influence on your career?

SMPS has been instrumental to my growth in the AEC industry. I am grateful for the many individuals I can count as mentors and those who lead by example.
However, above all, Lori Haglund has been my guiding force throughout my career at Resolut. She has supported me through challenging moments and celebrated my successes every step of the way.

What did you want to be when you were young?

When I was young, I dreamed of either joining the circus or becoming a talk show host. It wasn’t until my 20s that I realized I was meant to work with people and build a career in marketing.

What motivates you most to come to work?

My kids motivate me every single day in every possible way. Of course, they inspire me to come to work and provide for them, but it goes far beyond that. They drive me to excel in my career and play a meaningful role at Resolut because I want them to be proud of me. More importantly, I want them to see—through my example—that a woman can lead a successful, fulfilling career. They’ve never questioned it, but showing them what strength and confidence look like through my actions has always been very important to me.


I’ve also strived to show my kids that you can be kind and thoughtful while building a career. That it’s important to include everyone at work because success is never a solo effort—it’s a shared journey. As you grow in your career, your peers and coworkers should grow with you. At home, I’m usually on the sidelines of a soccer game or outside with our three dogs—both keep life grounded and full of joy.

What’s one productivity tool you couldn’t live without?

Music! To me, it’s more than just background noise—it’s a productivity tool. I play music at my desk most days because it helps with focus, eases tension, and even sparks conversation. We have fun themed days like Reggae Tuesday, Disney Wednesday, and ’90s Thursday. In an office full of engineers, a little music goes a long way in keeping the atmosphere upbeat and light. It absolutely makes my day when I catch an engineer singing along!

What is the last book you read?

I’ve recently finished The Women and The Stillwater Girls. Both books are fantastic. I 100% recommend these books!

What podcast do you listen to most frequently?

I am a true crime junkie. I mostly listen to True Crime All the Time, or Sword and Scale. Both are very good if you like true crime.

Closing Thoughts

Mary’s approach to marketing is grounded in connection—supporting technical teams, mentoring others, and helping people grow, succeed, and move forward together.