Who is Mary Schmitz?All About the Mary Schmitz Leadership Award

In 2023, Welcome to Memphis introduced the Mary Schmitz Leadership Award, named after Welcome to Memphis founding executive director, Mary Schmitz. Mary worked for Memphis Tourism in a variety of roles for over 25 years. In her final position before she retired, she developed Welcome to Memphis, offered training to workers across the city, and started the Pick Awards in order to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the hospitality workers who make Memphis a welcoming and vibrant city for visitors and locals alike. 

“It was a gift for me to address groups of people, connect with them, and watch their eyes light up,” Mary said. “I’ve seen so many people who truly care about what they're doing. They empathize with their guests and try to help them, in big and small ways, every day. It’s amazing to connect with all those folks.”

Mary sees hospitality professionals as the foundation, welcoming and taking care of the visitors that visit Memphis. She recognizes that they’re not just bringing guests keys and clean sheets. As hosts to the city, they introduce visitors to Memphis and shape perceptions of the city. 

“Hospitality is such a huge part of the Memphis experience,” she added. “It really does set us apart. When we started out, we looked at what other cities were doing, and they were all about polish. We are not so much about polish, we’re about welcoming people from the heart. The people in Memphis are one of our greatest strengths and a lot of people in Memphis will hold some type of hospitality job as they find their footing in their careers. A huge percentage of our population has an opportunity to learn how they can help other people, and that’s what hospitality workers do every day.” 

In her leadership role, Mary found that Welcome to Memphis can focus on the real hearts of the people who are delivering the service: “Everything rides on their shoulders. They can make or break someone’s opinion of Memphis. Their role is so significant. Welcome to Memphis is in a unique position to give these workers wider recognition.” 

Before retiring in 2023, Mary pushed to add a category of awards to the Pick Awards that would specifically recognize managers. The inaugural Mary Schmitz Leadership Award was presented to Mary herself at the 2023 Annual Pick Awards in honor of her work and dedication. 

Mary said, “When they named the award after me, I was completely stunned. That was a huge honor. When I’m 95 years old, I’m going to stop and think, really? They did that? My trophy sits right front and center in my living room.” 

Beginning in 2024, workers in leadership positions in hospitality and tourism will be eligible to receive this award for exemplary leadership and support. 

Mary said she is looking forward to seeing Marcus Cox, the Executive Director, carry this work forward. “It’s Marcus’ vision now to find and express. He’s going to carry Welcome to Memphis forward. I am grateful to have had a very rewarding job working with people who are just absolutely wonderful. It makes it easy to go out on a high note.”