Some careers follow a carefully planned path. Others begin with a simple desire to help.

For Mary Kitchen, her journey in school business started not in a district office, but in her son’s kindergarten classroom.

“When my son started kindergarten in 1995, I joined the local parent group at his school,” she recalls. “I’ve always believed in community, schools and working together to achieve a common goal.”

That commitment to serving others has shaped a career spanning more than three decades. From parent volunteer to Director of Business Services, she has continually stepped forward to lead, mentor, and make a difference, both within her district and through CASBO.

Building a Foundation Through Service

Long before she entered school business professionally, service was already part of her life.

As an active parent volunteer, she held nearly every leadership role imaginable, including secretary, treasurer, parliamentarian, parent liaison, and president of her school’s parent organization. She also served on School Site Council, eventually becoming president, and remained deeply involved throughout her son’s education, continuing her volunteer leadership through middle and high school.

One of her proudest early accomplishments was creating a “Parent Night Out” fundraiser that generated enough revenue to fund field trips for every grade level the following year.

Her dedication to students and schools did not go unnoticed. In 2008, she received the Distinguished Citizen Award for District Employee/Parent Volunteer, recognizing her service to Tara Hills Elementary School, Pinole Middle School, and Pinole Valley High School.

“I’ve been a lifelong volunteer,” she says. “I cannot attend an event and just sit. I have to be involved. It’s in my DNA. Volunteering is the most rewarding thing anyone can do. It helps others and enhances your life in so many ways.”

Growing a Career in School Business

Although she gained valuable leadership experience in retail and construction before joining public education, she made the move to her local school district in 1995 so she could work closer to home while raising her family.

She began as a substitute before earning a permanent part-time clerical position supporting students in an alternative education program. Soon after, she split her time between that role and the district office, analyzing student assessment data before transitioning into Purchasing.

From there, her career steadily advanced.

She moved from Clerk I to Clerk II, then Assistant Buyer, Buyer, Procurement & Training Technician, Purchasing Supervisor, Business Services Coordinator, and, in July 2026, achieved her latest milestone as Director of Business Services.

Along the way, she became a key member of her district’s Munis financial system implementation team, serving as a primary trainer and helping improve the district’s enterprise system, work that earned her special recognition.

Her leadership extends beyond her formal job responsibilities. Since 1998, she has organized an annual Secret Santa program that provides holiday gifts for every kindergarten student at one of the district’s low-income schools, with employees throughout the district joining together to make the program possible.

Learning Through Leadership

As her responsibilities grew, so did her commitment to professional development.

Throughout her career, she attended numerous CASBO Professional Development Institutes (PDIs), conferences, and workshops, eventually becoming both a presenter and volunteer leader.

“I truly feel that being part of CASBO as a volunteer, presenter and attendee has enhanced my career and helped me grow as a professional and as a person,” she says.

She credits CASBO not only with expanding her technical knowledge but also with helping her build lifelong friendships and a trusted professional network. Since 2017, she has attended nearly every Annual Conference, taking advantage of opportunities to learn across multiple disciplines while also sharing her own expertise with others.

Giving Back Through CASBO

Her commitment to CASBO has mirrored her commitment to public education: lead by serving.

Over the years, she has served as Northern Section Purchasing Professional Council Chair, State Purchasing Representative, Secretary, Director II, Director III, Northern Section President for two terms, State Board Director, and today serves as the Volunteer Liaison for the Central Bay Section.

She has also presented at numerous conferences and workshops, helping fellow school business professionals navigate purchasing, leadership, and business operations.

For her, volunteering isn’t simply about giving back. It’s about strengthening the profession.

Advice for the Next Generation

When asked what advice she would offer someone beginning a career in school business, her answer reflects the collaborative spirit that defines both her career and CASBO.

“Don’t ever feel that you are alone,” she says. “There are so many people in CASBO you can reach out to who can provide the answers you’re searching for. No one starts a job knowing everything. Through the network you build by being involved in CASBO, you’ll gain lifelong friends and always have someone you can call when you have a question or simply want another perspective.”

Looking back, she believes the most important leadership lessons aren’t about budgets or procurement. They’re about people.

“Everyone makes mistakes. Learn from them and move on,” she says. “Say hi to your staff every day. Sometimes it’s the little things that mean so much. Let people know they are seen and valued.”

Her philosophy is simple but powerful.

“It doesn’t matter what people wear, how they look, how much money they have, or what position they hold. Everyone is valuable, and their opinions and feelings matter. You can show that you care by being compassionate, fair, and truly listening.”

It’s a perspective shaped by decades of service, continuous learning, and a lifelong commitment to helping others succeed. It’s also a reminder that the strongest leaders are often those who never stop serving.