Mary Jo Brandt
Mary Jo Brandt is an experienced media and business professional with a proven record of leadership, service, and commitment to mission-driven organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Northern Illinois University and a Master of Business Administration from Colorado Technical University, where she is also currently a doctoral candidate.
Throughout her career, Mary Jo has worked with prominent organizations including Gannett, NewsBank, Inc., E.W. Scripps Company, Lee Enterprises, Pulitzer, Inc., and Arthur Andersen. Her professional background spans media, business operations, and organizational leadership, supported by extensive training in leadership, coaching, and mentoring. The teams she has led are consistently recognized for their effectiveness and alignment with organizational mission and goals.
Mary Jo has been involved with Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. since 2011. Her commitment began after witnessing firsthand the life-changing impact of service dogs when both her father and a former employer received Guardian Angels service dogs. Inspired by the profound difference these dogs made, she volunteered her time and talents and was later invited to join the organization’s Board of Directors, where she has served since 2013.
A strong advocate for veterans and their families, Mary Jo is a two-time recipient of the Colorado Technical University Patriot Scholarship, awarded for both her Master of Business Administration and her doctoral studies. Reflecting on the significance of this honor, she emphasizes the critical role of education in supporting military families and in strengthening her ability to serve others. She views her academic achievements not as personal milestones, but as tools to expand her impact in support of veterans.
In the face of unprecedented challenges from the global pandemic and ongoing economic uncertainty, Mary Jo continues to demonstrate resilient, values-driven leadership. Her dedication ensures that Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs remains focused on serving those in need, even during times of adversity. She exemplifies the kind of leadership that enables organizations—and the people they serve—to endure and thrive.
Mary Jo is the proud mother of two children: her son, Paul, who served for 12 years in the U.S. Navy, and her daughter, Amanda, who works as a paralegal at a reputable Law Firm in South Florida.
