An Ad Age Top 100 Marketer with over 35 years of sports business experience, Mary Horwath is a visionary strategist renowned for turning niche products into global movements. Most notably, she orchestrated the rise of Rollerblade Inc., transforming a hockey training tool into a $100M+ cultural phenomenon. Throughout her trailblazing career, Mary has broken significant barriers, including serving as the first female Program Director for the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team and collaborating with dozens of iconic brands such as the NBA, Polaris, and Shock Doctor.
Today, as the Chief Marketing Officer for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, Mary is dedicated to accelerating the global inclusion movement through powerful, truthful storytelling. Inspired by the Special Olympics athlete oath, her mission is to attract and engage a new generation of supporters, ensuring that every individual involved is “markedly transformed” by the experience. She considers it a privilege to contribute her expertise to this extraordinary community, aiming to leave a lasting legacy of inclusion and empowerment for athletes everywhere.
