Background:
Mary K. Wells is the co-founder and managing partner at Bellwether. Mary has over 20 years of experience in education as an organization leader, consultant, and in philanthropy. As a first-generation college graduate, Mary is passionate about the power of public education. Mary splits her time between leading Bellwether, driving our AI strategy, and working with organizations to provide strategic advising support. She has deep expertise in helping organizations scale and build sustainability. Her clients at Bellwether include charter management organizations, teacher preparation programs, professional learning organizations, state education organizations, and philanthropies.
Prior to launching Bellwether, Mary led STEM and new school investments for the Texas High School Project (now Educate Texas), where she was a founding team member. Prior to this, Mary spent eight years at Bain & Company as an analyst, consultant, and manager, where she advised Fortune 500 companies on growth strategy, new business development, and post-merger integration issues.
Mary serves on the boards of multiple education organizations. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and a master’s from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Raised on a farm in Michigan, Mary currently resides in San Antonio, Texas.
Why I do this work:
I grew up working on a farm, and I saw education as a way to follow a whole different life path. I had that opportunity through a strong public education, and I want all kids to have that same opportunity, regardless of where they live.
Experience at Bellwether:
Strategic Planning; New Organization Design and Launch; Business Plan Development; Growth and Expansion Strategy; Human Capital/Organizational Design; Performance Improvement/Sustainability; Implementation Planning; CMO/Charter School Operators; District Schools; Foundations
Client segments served:
K-12 Schools; Postsecondary/Higher Education; School Districts; CMO/Charter Schools; State Education Agencies; Foundations and Grantees; Nonprofit Organizations; Advocacy Groups; Product and Service Providers
Sample clients:
Project Lead the Way, Achieve Atlanta, San Antonio ISD, Texas Education Agency, Aspire Public Schools
Contact Information
Follow Me
Issue Expertise
Charter Schools
COVID-19
Private Schools
School Districts
Teacher and School Leader Quality
Urban Education
