Member Directory

Mary Cortani

Email Address [email protected]

Level Diplomate

Address 13920 Llagas Ave
San Martin, CA 95046
US

Phone Number (408) 623-7887

Biography About Mary Cortani joined the Army after graduating from high school. She was one of the last of the US Army’s WACs (Women’s Army Corps), and served from 1975 to 1984. She became a certified Army Master Instructor of Canine Education. After leaving the military, Mary earned her degree in computer engineering and worked in information technology until 2007. During those years, she continued training dogs on the side and participating in K9 Search and Rescue. In 2007, she started a full-time dog -training business and became an American Kennel Club Certified Canine Good Citizen© Evaluator. Throughout her nearly five decades of dog-training experience, Mary has trained sentry, patrol, narcotics, explosive detection, search and rescue, and medical alert service dogs. In 2010, Mary was contacted by a military veteran who had been on another organization’s service dog waiting list for several years. In his voice, Mary heard despair; she feared he was on the verge of suicide. Her life-altering work with this veteran was the beginning of Operation Freedom Paws (OFP). In the nearly 14 years since that phone call, Mary has accepted over 525 clients and their families into OFP’s program and rescued over 430 dogs who needed jobs. As the Founder and Executive Director of Operation Freedom Paws, Mary has won numerous awards, including the 2012 Top Ten CNN Hero, Red Cross Clara Barton Award, Loretta Scott King Award from the Martin Luther King Foundation, KSBW’s local and national Jefferson Award, 2022 District 17 State of California Woman of the Year, 2023 Woman’s CalVet Trailblazer Award, and 2023 Morgan Hill Woman of the Year. In 2021, Operation Freedom Paws was selected as the Gilroy Nonprofit of the Year. Mary is certified in K9 CPR and as a LIMA instructor. In addition, Mary is a speaker and author who, along with veteran Connor Quinn, wrote a children’s book about service dogs entitled “Four Paws, Two Feet, One Team®.” She was also an advisor and participant in Vicki Topaz’s documentary “By My Side”. Specialties: SAR k9 training, Service Dog training, Pet dog training, pet dog training, pet dog training, pet dog training, Therapy dog training. Coaching and demonstrated successful leadership in team building, organizational development, and profitable growth. Strategic planning. Non-Profit Management. Business Development. Problem Solving. Author, Speaker. Experience Founder, Executive Director Operation Freedoms Paws · Full-time, May 2011 - Present · 13 yrs. 4 mos., Gilroy, CA 95020 Operation Freedoms Paws a 501(c)3 works to empower Veterans and others with disabilities to live a quality life. We do that by teaching them the skills to train their own dog. Capitalizing on the ability of the canine human relationship to help them regain their purpose, worth and value to society and their community. We train the individual to train their own dog, and then certify them together as a Service dog team. Operation Freedoms Paws a 501(c)3 works to empower Veterans and others with disabilities to live a quality life. We do that by teaching them the skills to train their own dog. Capitalizing on the ability of the canine human relationship to help them regain their purpose, worth and value to society and their community. We train the individual to train their own dog, and then certify them together as a Service dog team. • Collaborate with the board of Directors to identify, create and implement strategic plans to actualize business objectives. • Identify, recruit, train and develop a talented team of employees who can lead critical departments and manage strategic business functions. • Monitor company operations and ensure employees and business practices comply with regulatory and legal requirements. • Develop the organizational culture and promote transparency and collaboration throughout the organization. • Develop partnerships with company stakeholders, shareholders, industry regulators and other relevant parties. • Identify potential risks and opportunities within the organization and its environment to protect business interests. • Identify potential sources of investment and organize fundraising efforts. • Represent the company at social and corporate events in ways that strengthen the brand and communicate the company’s message  Skills: Program Financial Management · Event Management · Business Analysis · Program Development · Board of Directors · Fundraising Owner k9 Coach Plusk9 Coach Plus, Jan 2009 - May 2011 · 2 yrs. 5 mos. A personal canine training professional. Training all breeds in private, group, In-kennel training sessions. Currently conducting class on Wed evenings and Sat mornings at the dog House Inn, located in Gilroy CA. All other training sessions are by appointment. training for all different levels. Basic Obedience, Intermediate Obedience, Advanced/Competition, Search and Rescue, Protection and more. This is what started Operation Freedom Paws. Consultant Shadow Operations LLC, Sep 2006 to May 2009 · 2 yrs. 9 mos. Resolve customers internal IT and business issues, systems and networks Provide IT Services to PD's, small and large corporations throughout the bay area• Resolve customers internal IT and business issues, systems and networks • Provide IT Services to PD's, small and large corporations throughout the bay area Director of Information Technology City of Watsonville, Jun 2005 - Jul 2006 · 1 yr. 2 mos. Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the City's information technology, application technologies and systems to meet City business objectives. Designs and develops requirements for systems technology and applications; performs and or directs systems design work, operations and maintenance, program development, integration test, deployment, training and documentation. Establishes controls on data and policy on the use of technology and application to City programs; analyzes procedures and recommends improvements; prepares reports. Prepares, manages and monitors City's Information Technology budget. Selects, supervises and evaluates work of consultants and integrates consultant's work into the City's technology program; writes bid specifications for new equipment; reviews bids and makes decisions and recommendations. Makes presentations to Council and other groups; may be assigned to supervise ancillary operations as needed. Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the City's information technology, application technologies and systems to meet City business objectives. Designs and develops requirements for systems technology and applications; performs and or directs systems design work, operations and maintenance, program development, integration test, deployment, training and documentation. Establishes controls on data and policy on the use of technology and application to City programs; analyzes procedures and recommends improvements; prepares reports. Prepares, manages and monitors City's Information Technology budget. Selects, supervises and evaluates work of consultants and integrates consultant's work into the City's technology program; writes bid specifications for new equipment; reviews bids and makes decisions and recommendations. Makes presentations to Council and other groups; may be assigned to supervise ancillary operations as needed. Owner/Consultant Caspian Solutions, May 2002 - Jul 2005 · 3 yrs. 3 mos. Responsibilities include new business development, business and process development for several companies, system engineering, application and ERP implementation, production reviews, material and inventory management, Customer Service and Quality. Established core, common processes and relationships across Delivery Ops, Sales Ops, and Finance for several companies Increased market share through improved service and introduction of key new services. Improved responsiveness and capacity through multiple partnerships. Resolved customers internal IT and business issues allowing for an increase of performance by 25% and time to cash savings of 35% through introduction of lean processes and turn key applications, training and process improvements. Responsibilities include new business development, business and process development for several companies, system engineering, application and ERP implementation, production reviews, material and inventory management, Customer Service and Quality. • Established core, common processes and relationships across Delivery Ops, Sales Ops, and Finance for several companies • Increased market share through improved service and introduction of key new services. Improved responsiveness and capacity through multiple partnerships. Resolved customers internal IT and business issues allowing for an increase of performance by 25% and time to cash savings of 35% through introduction of lean processes and turn key applications, training and process improvements.  Skills: Board of Directors Vice President of Business Integration, SiteSmith (Now Above Net), Jan 2001 - Feb 2002 · 1 yr. 2 mos. Organizationally accountable for: for Internal Operations, Quality, Culture, Methods and Practices, Purchasing/ Procurement, Shipping/Receiving, Training and Global Business system development. Manage all aspects of the internal operations with 28+ staff members throughout the US. Full budget (10M) responsibilities for 7 Business Groups/IT departments. Designed and implemented from project plan through complete utilization, a global infrastructure, utilizing PeopleSoft and knowledge management/network ERP systems reducing closing cycle from 23+ days to 5 days, resulting in a $600K monthly savings. Supported all business-related technology, from NOC, TOC, SOC, engineering, client services Marketing and Sales, with a special effort on the operations side and customer satisfaction. Assisted with S-1 and S-4 filings to the SEC. PeopleSoft implementation, including internal web Knowledge database. Developed Internal Service/Quality reporting Organizationally accountable for: for Internal Operations, Quality, Culture, Methods and Practices, Purchasing/ Procurement, Shipping/Receiving, Training and Global Business system development. Manage all aspects of the internal operations with 28+ staff members throughout the US. Full budget (10M) responsibilities for 7 Business Groups/IT departments. Designed and implemented from project plan through complete utilization, a global infrastructure, utilizing PeopleSoft and knowledge management/network ERP systems reducing closing cycle from 23+ days to 5 days, resulting in a $600K monthly savings. Supported all business-related technology, from NOC, TOC, SOC, engineering, client services Marketing and Sales, with a special effort on the operations side and customer satisfaction. Assisted with S-1 and S-4 filings to the SEC. PeopleSoft implementation, including internal web Knowledge database. Developed Internal Service/Quality reporting Education United States Army, Military Police and K-9 Military Police and K9 Master Instructor, 1975 - 1984 o Activities and societies: Instructor with the MP K-9 Facility, joint services group Lackland Airforce Base. Received Master instructor certification State of California, License, Life Agent, 2005 Women’s Technical Institute, Boston MA, Certificate in Electronics,1984 Franklin Institute of Boston, Associates, Computer Engineering, 1986 Almeda University, Bachelors, Business Administration 2003 State of California, License, Life Agent, 2005 Operation Freedom Paws and Founder/Executive Director Awards 2024 Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year 2023 Mary Cortani: Cal Vet’s Trailblazer Award 2023 Mary Cortani: Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce, "Woman of the Year" 2023 Mary Cortani: Nonprofit HR's “Social Impact Women to Watch” 2023 Mary Cortani: International Association of Canine Professionals CYNXL Certification 2023 Purina Dog Chow "Visible Impact Award" National Non-Profit Winner 2023 Operation Freedom Paws Daycare and Boarding "Best Doggie Daycare" Award - Morgan Hill Times 2022 Purina Dog Chow "Visible Impact Award" National Non-Profit Winner 2022 Mary Cortani: Dell Veterans Summit Keynote Speaker 2022 Mary Cortani: "Woman of the Year" for the 17th Senate District of California 2022 Mary Cortani: 49ers "Frontline Hero of the Game" NFL’s "Salute to Service" 2020 Gilroy Chamber of Commerce “Non-Profit of the Year” 2020 Partnered with Johns Hopkins University Service Dog Study 2018 Mary Cortani: Silicon Valley Business Journal "Woman of Influence" Award 2019 Mary Cortani: Co-Authored Children's Book, "Four Paws, Two Feet, One Team" 2018 Mary Cortani: Santa Clara Country Veterans Resource Fair Certificate of Appreciation 2017 – 2023 Mary Cortani: Consultant and Cast Member Award-Winning Short Documentary "By My Side" 2017 Mary Cortani: Palo Alto VA Health Care System, Certificate of Appreciation 2017 Mary Cortani: City of Watsonville Mayor's Office Certificate of Recognition 2016 Mary Cortani: Santa Cruz Mayor's Certificate of Recognition Clara Barton Volunteer Hero Award 2016 Mary Cortani: State of California, Legislature Certificate of Recognition, Clara Barton Volunteer Hero Award 2016 Mary Cortani: State of California, Secretary of State, Clara Barton Volunteer Hero Award 2016 Mary Cortani: California Central Coast American Red Cross Clara Baron Volunteer Hero Award 2016 Mary Cortani: The City of Pacific Grove, Certificate of Recognition, Clara Barton Volunteer Hero Award 2015 Mary Cortani: Certificate of Congressional Special Recognition: KSBW-TV Jefferson Award 2014 Mary Cortani: Coretta Scott King Award 2012 Mary Cortani named Top 10 CNN Hero Award 2012 Mary Cortani author chapter 13, Healing War Trauma, A Handbook of Creative Approaches, By Raymond Scurfield and Katherine Platoni 2011 Mary Cortani: Napa County American Red Cross, Napa Heroes Award 2011 Mary Cortani: Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition American Red Cross American Hero Award National Affiliations: Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans – 6 years Employment Advisory Council (EAC) – 8 years Development Executive Round Table (DER) – 10 years Local Affiliations: Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce – 8 years Gilroy Chamber of Commerce – 10 years DreamPower Horsemanship – 13 years