Mary Morton, 36

Mary Morton started her accounting and finance career in New York City working on high-level auditing projects for consulting firm EisnerAmper LLP.

While New York might be the capital of big finance, Morton has found her calling 1,290 miles away, in Naples. That’s where she’s been CFO of Moorings Park since 2012, overseeing the 15-person finance department at the prominent senior living community.

The 83-acre community is home to more than 700 residents in independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and home health environments. The campus, off of North Goodlette Frank Road, south of Pine Ridge Road, is also undergoing a $100 million expansion and renovation. “We are going through a lot of growth,” says Morton, “which is exciting.”

Morton says it’s also exciting to work every day at Moorings Park, where she often interacts with community residents and leaders. She says the community, both the residents and her fellow employees, inspire her to be better, and are a core reason why she loves her job.

Outside Moorings Park, Morton has a strong background in leadership. She’s a fellow in the 2017 LeadingAge Leadership Academy, a national organization for young leaders in the senior care industry; a graduate of Connect Florida Class V; a 2012 graduate of Leadership Collier; and a 2009 graduate of Growing Associates in Naples.

A native of Sheboygan, Wis., Morton has a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. She also studied in an MBA program in London that focused on international economics and finance.

Morton says despite its stodgy image, for her, accounting and finance is a wonderful field. “People think accounting is boring,” Morton says. “But every day here is something different.”

— Mark Gordon

Survey says

Name: Mary Morton

Age: 36

City of residence: Naples

Employer: Moorings Park

Title: Chief Financial Officer

Birthplace: Sheboygan, Wis.

Years on the Gulf Coast: 10.5

Marital status/children: Married/no children

Alma mater/degree: Washington University in St. Louis

Best place to network: Any event sponsored by Leadership Collier, the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce or Leadership Florida

Messy desk or clean workspace: Clean

Eat lunch out or at your desk: At my desk

Best business lesson ever learned: Sometimes life's most painful, unexpected and tragic experiences can give way to something positive. Building your resilience can help you move forward in business and in life.

Weirdest job you’ve ever had: I previously worked as an external auditor. It's not a weird job but I got to see a lot of weird stuff!

A website that makes your job easier: Google

App you use the most: Spotify

One thing you do every day: Pray

Community group you’re most involved with: David Lawrence Center

Favorite off-hours activity: Scuba diving, golf

Two people, dead or alive, you’d like to have dinner with: My parents

What you would be doing if you could pick another career: The events of Hurricane Irma confirmed there is no career I would rather have than my current role at Moorings Park. My colleagues’ commitment to our mission, residents and each other ensured that Hurricane Irma would not defeat us. The storm put our team to the test – we have damage to most of our buildings and most employees and contractors had homes that were unlivable or suffered some type of damage. The entire Moorings Park team pulled together and worked extremely hard and, more importantly, worked to ensure that our residents and clients were taken care of. I am humbled and honored to serve the residents of Moorings Park who built our country through their courage, determination and character, which remain steadfast.

Top item on your bucket list: Obtain my Advanced Open Water Diver certification

Your happy place is: Underwater scuba diving in Bonaire

Your biggest fear: Failure

Favorite Ted Talk: The way we think about charity is dead wrong

Skill you’d like to learn: I would like to be a better golfer.

Who would play you in a movie about your life: Gwyneth Paltrow

Describe yourself in three words: Quiet, curious and loyal