Mary Hobson brings more than 40 years of business experience in the general management, legal and financial arenas to EFL Associates and its clients. This combination of experience provides Hobson a unique breadth of knowledge and practical perspective on the diverse staffing issues facing the firm’s clients.
Since joining EFL Associates, Hobson has completed more than 250 executive search assignments, including numerous President/CEO/Executive Director searches. Hiring the organization’s leader is one of the most critical responsibilities of a Board. Mary has extensive experience working with Boards and Search Committees to ensure that this responsibility is handled effectively and efficiently.
Hobson began her career auditing business entities for the Internal Revenue Service in Kansas City, Mo. (1971–1977). After completing her JD degree (1980), she joined a large Kansas City law firm, specializing in tax, securities and real estate matters.
In 1982, she co-founded her own firm, which subsequently merged with the 100-plus attorney St. Louis firm of Husch & Eppenberger (now Husch Blackwell). From 1982 through 1992, Hobson advised business clients on all aspects of business formation and operations. She focused on integrating legal advice with the client’s business objectives to achieve practical solutions to problems.
In 1993, Mary accepted the position of Vice President with Cal Emblem Labels, Inc., a label printer with multiple production facilities. In that position, she coordinated operations, corporate administration and legal matters and was a part of the top management team leading the company. After successfully concluding the sale of Cal Emblem to a public company in 1995, she joined EFL Associates.
Hobson currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Senior Housing Options, and previously served on the board of the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, including two years as Chair.