Mary Niven

Board Chair

Executive Coach, Leadership Development Coach With over 45 years of leadership experience, Mary Niven has dedicated her career to helping individuals and teams discover their true potential by leveraging innovative business strategies, courage, resilience, integrity, authenticity and heart. After retiring from The Walt Disney Company Parks and Resorts in 2021, Mary formed Niven Enterprises LLC. to continue her passion to empower leaders and teams.

Prior to joining Disney Parks and Resorts, Mary was Operations Manager for 1984 Los Angeles Olympics Athlete Feeding. She also led the reinvention of the Dining program at UCLA by developing and implementing a nationally renowned “Marketplace” Concept. Mary joined the Walt Disney Company in 2000 as vice president, Food and Beverage at the Disneyland Resort. During her tenure with Disney she held roles as vice president, Disney California Adventure, vice president Disneyland Park and senior vice president of experience integration for the Disneyland Resort. While at Disney California Adventure, Mary played an integral role in the multiyear transformation of that park.

She led the cross functional team created to successfully integrate the design and operational logistics for Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Land at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World sites. Mary served on the board for Illumination Foundation for ten years including three years as its chairperson. During that time this non-profit dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness grew from an annual budget of $3M to over $40M and changed thousands of lives in the Orange County California area.

Mary is currently the chairperson of The Leon Institute Board of Directors. Mary Niven is the recipient of several recognitions including the 2005 Silver Plate Award from the International Food Service Manufacturer’s Association, 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award from Stockton Arts Council, 2012 Girl’s Inc. “Bold” Award.