Mary Davis will step down from her role as Special Olympics International’s Chief Executive Officer after 47 years in the movement, including 10 years as CEO. She will continue to lead the organization until the end of December 2025.
While Davis has mixed emotions about her departure, she will cherish the good times most. “I feel very privileged to have enjoyed a long career focused on a field that I truly love -- working alongside Special Olympics athletes, seeing them shine and lead and overcome the greatest of obstacles in their lives. That has been and will remain my greatest joy, from my days as a volunteer back in the late 1970s coaching gymnastics, to today as CEO.”
Special Olympics Board Chair Timothy Shriver wished her well saying, “I join the board members of Special Olympics International, my entire family, and millions of athletes, family members, partners, volunteers, coaches, teachers, health care leaders, sponsors, donors and friends in extending my deepest gratitude and admiration to Mary Davis as she announces her planned retirement as Chief Executive Officer, effective December 31, 2025.”
Davis’ journey with the Special Olympics movement began early, when volunteering during her university studies as a physical education student. In 1985, she took on the role of running the Special Olympics European Games. And by 1989, she was appointed National Director of Special Olympics Ireland. Her leadership continued to shine, and in 2003, she became the CEO of the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Ireland, marking the first time the World Summer Games were held outside the United States. Davis became President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe-Eurasia before being called to serve on a global level as CEO of Special Olympics International.
Davis’ tenure has been marked by numerous awards and accolades, including being honored with Ireland's 2003 Person of the Year award. She was named as one of Forbes' Most Powerful Women in International Sports in 2018 and made their 50 for 50 list in 2024. She also received the Ernst & Young (EY) Ireland Entrepreneur of the Year Special Award in 2022.