Mary Kurek is a former Press Staff member for a North Carolina Governor and a Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. A graduate of Coach University and a certified Zenger Miller Corporate Facilitator, Kurek speaks professionally on networking and marketing for business and career goals. In the summer of 2007, her nationally endorsed book, Who’s Hiding in Your Address Book? – Introducing The Ideal Network for Successful Women was released by Robert Reed Publishing.

Kurek’s guest columns have appeared in the internationally recognized publication, The Sporting News and a statewide film industry publication, Reel Carolina Journal. She is a regular contributor to NC Journal for Women, (one of the fastest growing online publications geared toward the interests of women in North Carolina.) A graduate of the six-year U.S. Chamber of Commerce sponsored Institute for Organization Management and other leadership programs, Kurek is the founder of two model high school programs: Youth Leadership Havelock and Carteret Sports Leadership. Kurek’s own leadership role prompted her nomination in 1992 for Craven County Distinguished Woman of the Year, and later, a commendation from The Commanding General of Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point.

Additionally, for three years Kurek produced and hosted a cable television show that aired twice weekly in Coastal North Carolina called “Dreamer’s Showcase.” The purpose of the show was to connect remarkable people who were living their dreams with viewers in an inspiring and often interactive format.

Over the years, Kurek has been a featured guest on Sports Radio 570 KISM out of Utah and on WTKF Talk Radio in North Carolina. Her television appearances include network affiliates, WITN-TV and WCTI-TV in eastern North Carolina, and WFMY-TV in Greensboro, NC. Currently, Kurek produces a one-minute radio spot called “The Ideal Network Minute” heard on radio stations throughout eastern NC, highlighting tips from her book. Kurek and her husband make their home in the small island community of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina.