Mary Cook

Managing Director, Midwest Finance and Accounting

Mary Cook is managing director of our Midwest finance and accounting team—overseeing all operational and P&L aspects of the team. When Mary joined Salo as managing director of Chicago finance in 2017, she spurred significant growth in our Chicago business. Today, she brings that same passion for growth, employee development, and client service to the entire Midwest region.

A well-known member of the Chicago finance community, Mary held CFO positions at Pampered Chef and Sears Holding Corporation. She has also held senior finance roles at Chrysler and Spherion Technology. Mary began her career at Andersen Consulting in their change management practice. These diverse roles gave her experience in finance, operations, change management, and information technology within the multi-level marketing (MLM), retail, and automotive industries. Additionally, she has worked with high-growth, turnaround, public, private, and PE companies.

Mary is a board member of the Chicago chapter of Financial Executives International (FEI), where is Chairperson of the CFO of the Year event. She is also a board member of vice chair of the communications committee of International Women’s Forum (IWF) Chicago, a member of the Advisory Council of The Executives Club of Chicago, and a board member of ELITE. She also lends her time to several community organizations, including the Barrington Chinese Immersion Council (board member), Barrington’s Children’s Charities, Gigi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, Parkinson’s Foundation, Les Turner ALS Foundation, and Second City Canine Rescue.

Mary has a B.A. from Michigan State and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan. In her free time, she enjoys CrossFit, waterskiing, and a friendly game of family basketball. She lives in North Barrington, Illinois with her husband and two children.