Mary K. Runkel

Mary Runkel has spent most of her career so far in the nonprofit industry. She got her start as an AmeriCorps VISTA member for a year of service before joining the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, where she launched their first-ever volunteer program to connect Iowans with the outdoors, INHF’s mission, and one another.

The mountains called (as they generally do), and Mary moved west for a master’s program. After earning her MPA—where she focused her capstone on analyzing Denver Green Roofs Initiative—Mary held marketing and leadership roles in an outdoor education organization and served as Membership Director at the Arvada Chamber of Commerce, helping local businesses thrive.

Now back in Iowa, Mary works as a Marketing and Proposal Consultant at Holmes Murphy, continuing her journey in marketing and public engagement. She’s passionate about building partnerships, introducing people to the outdoors in an approachable way, and supporting the next generation of leaders.

Mary grew up in a musical family and still loves to sing and see live music. An outdoor recreation enthusiast turned Mom, Mary loves to bike, ski, paddle or find adventure elsewhere, and is learning how to do that with her sweet daughter in tow. Surely, her partner and her puppy won’t be far behind.