EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Mary has been with the Orland Fire District for seventeen (17) years. Prior to joining the Fire District, Mary spent twenty-two (22) years at a large Loop law firm. Mary was hired in 1982 as an Administrative Assistant and was eventually promoted to the position of Office Administrator. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Saint Xavier College, now known as Saint Xavier University.

Mary has been married thirty-five (35) years to her husband, Tom and has two (2) children, Kelly and Tom and three (3) grandchildren, Sydney Emma and TJ. She and her husband adopted a Beagle puppy, Blaze, in early 2023. Blaze is now six (6) months old.

Q & A

How has your position evolved and changed since starting at OFPD?

When I started here at the Orland Fire Protection District in June, 2006, I was hired as an Accounting Assistant to perform Payroll and Accounts Receivable duties. Since that time, I’ve been promoted to the Assistant Finance Director, which includes the above responsibilities and many more. I enjoy every minute that I’m able to assist our employees or help our residents of the Orland Fire District.

What has been your favorite project/ accomplishment at Orland Fire District?

My favorite project/accomplishment at Orland Fire has been the successful implementation of our staffing program, Telestaff in July, 2008. It took a great deal of work and effort by many employees to design, input data and implement the product. I look forward to continued growth of its features and enhancements and always enjoy sharing my knowledge with my co-workers. I’ve been referred to as the “Telestaff guru”, which makes me smile!

What do you hope to be remembered for?

I hope to be remembered as a kind, caring and honest person, who raised 2 wonderful children (a Son and a Daughter) and now get to enjoy 3 amazing grandchildren (2 Granddaughters and 1 Grandson).

Mary Coughlin Assistant Finance Director

Who has influenced you most when it comes to your work ethic?

My parents raised my siblings and me to work hard, be trustworthy and be respectful! I certainly hope they are smiling down on me each day!

What are your hobbies and spare time activities?

We have a new beagle puppy, Blaze, so he keeps us busy. We are enjoying every minute with him!

In our spare time, my husband and I love to travel to visit friends in Las Vegas and visit a few of their many casinos. And, we love to plant flowers, both annuals and perennials. We love our visits to large nurseries in the area to find unique flowers and garden decorations.

Do you have any programs that you are currently binge-watching?

A staple in our house is watching On Patrol Live! We also enjoy watching past episodes of Cops. I’m a huge Reality TV fan, so the current one I’m watching is 90 Day Fiance. It’s fun catching up on all the past episodes in the series.