Mary Heafy (pronounced HAY-fee) uses she/her pronouns and is a person with a disability. She grew up in an Irish Catholic family and attended 12 years of Catholic school. In her senior year of high school, she studied religions of the world — in alphabetical order — so in the spring of 1972 she learned about Unitarian Universalism. The faith resonated deeply with her. Fast forward another 17 years, when her then 5-year-old child announced she was going to the UU church and, since she could not cross the street alone, her parents would have to come. We joined First Parish in Waltham, MA in 1988.

In 2004, Mary moved to Jaffrey, NH and joined the Keene (NH) UU congregation where she is currently a member. Mary served a religious exploration teacher, sang in the choir, and as congregational president at both First Parish in Waltham and at KUUC. Mary began serving the larger association as chair of the Northern New England District (NNED) leadership development team, and as a district board member and district board president. Mary has served as a member of the District Presidents Association and the National Advisory Council. Currently, she is a peer facilitation in the New England Region co-creating board retreats with New England congregations. She is co-chairing KUUC’s Welcoming Congregation Renewal Team, and leading lay-led services.

Professionally, Mary is the President and CEO of The Arc of Opportunity, a non-profit in Central Massachusetts supporting people with disabilities and their families. The organization is deeply committed to DEIB and shared leadership. Mary is a lifetime Girl Scout and goes to Star Island each summer. Mary’s family includes her husband, two amazing adult kids along with their delightful spouses, and the most wonderful granddaughter.