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About E&S Development Group

Mary Ellen Normen

Principal Consultant

Mary Ellen makes complex change actionable while keeping people at the center. She brings a human-centered, integrity-focused approach to AI adoption, using tools like Personalysis®, Creative Problem Solving, and LEGO® Serious Play® to help organizations strengthen communication, build resilient cultures, and develop leaders others are eager to follow.

A finance and operations leader with more than 30 years across public education, local government, and the nonprofit sector, she serves clients as a practitioner, facilitator, and thought partner—diagnosing organizational challenges and delivering strategic solutions in finance, resource allocation, and human capital. She also brings active governance experience as a nonprofit director and treasurer, leading fiduciary oversight, financial reporting, and compliance.

Mary Ellen has held leadership roles with the Massachusetts Government Finance Officers Association (MGFOA) and the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials (MASBO), advancing public finance statewide. A 2024 ASBO International Distinguished Eagle Award recipient and multi-time Massachusetts ASBO honoree, she began her career as a Presidential Management Intern with the U.S. GAO and offers boards proven strengths in financial governance, risk and compliance, and leadership development.

Resources and Released Work

Fun Fact

The Misogi Journey: Embracing the Unknown

For thirty days, I surrendered to the unknown—a journey called Misogi, a Japanese ritual of cleansing. There was no map, just the promise of transformation. Every dawn brought uncertainty, yet I eagerly embraced the mystery, eager to explore beyond my comfort zone.

The journey wasn’t just a trip; it was a passage from one chapter to the next. My goal? My goal was to release old energy and welcome a vision that deeply resonated with my soul. I learned to live in the “time of not knowing”—a space where questions outnumbered answers, and every moment was a leap of faith.

Instead of resisting the unknown, I embraced it. I sat with discomfort, letting it teach me patience and trust. The disruption of my routines became a gift, revealing hidden strengths and new possibilities.

Now, whenever life feels uncertain, I remember my Misogi: a month of wandering without a plan, learning to thrive in the gap between what was and what could be. It’s in that space, I’ve discovered, where growth truly begins.

Non-Profit organizations supported by the team.

Recognition

Mary Ellen is recognized for her leadership skills and expertise by her peers. She has received recognition for her contributions to the profession of school finance as the recipient of the

  1. ASBO International Distinguished Eagle Award (2024)
  2. MASBO President’s Award (2023 & 2015)
  3. Inaugural award of the Donald D. Johnson Operational and Cost Efficiency Award, MASBO (2011, Lexington PS)
  4. Inaugural Friend of MASBO Award (2007)

Her peers also elected her to be President and Officer of both the

  • Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials (MASBO).

    • President, 2022

    • Executive Board (Officer), 2019 – 2023

    • Board Member (Director) 2010-2013

  • Massachusetts Government Finance Officers Association (MGFOA)

    • Officer:  Past President (2005-07), President (2004-05), 1st Vice President (1997 & 2003-04), 2nd Vice President (1996 & 2001-02),

    • Executive Board (1996-1997, 2001-2006, 2011-2012)

    • State Representative (2011-2012)