Mary Hartman is an experienced leader and financial expert with a strong commitment to public service. She holds an MBA in International Business from Clark University and spent years working as a senior finance manager for a Fortune 50 high-tech company, later teaching corporate finance at Bentley University.

Since retiring, Mary has served as President of her Homeowners Association, Chair of the Concord Finance Committee, and, since 2022, as a member of the Concord Select Board, where she currently serves as Chair.

Mary and her husband, Bob, moved to Concord 15 years ago, drawn to its trails, open spaces, farms, and village centers. They have three grown children and three teenage grandchildren. Mary enjoys gardening at Rogers Community Garden, walking her border collie, Rain, and attending water aerobics classes at the Beede Center.

As a proven leader, Mary is dedicated to making Concord a stronger community for all.

Meet Mary

On the Issues

Financial Stability

To promote financial stability, we must manage property taxes carefully, set realistic budget guidelines, and assess the impact of expenditures on taxes. By improving efficiency in both town and school operations, we can unlock cost savings. We must diversify the tax base to include revenue sources beyond property tax so that all those who enjoy Concord’s infrastructure and services will share the cost. Through careful attention to our tax policies, I will use all available tools to avoid a Prop 2 1/2 override.

Working Together

As Select Board Chair, I host joint public meetings to unite town committees. Collaboration among the Select Board, Finance Committee and School Committee resulted in jointly developed 10-year capital plans that address the backlog of municipal capital needs such as DPW and Public Safety.  Furthermore, both schools and the town will present FY26 budgets that meet FinCom guidelines.  I welcome public involvement to ensure all voices are heard in decision-making processes.

Infrastructure

Funding of critical infrastructure like roads, our stormwater system, and safe drinking water continues to be a top priority for Concord. We must recognize that preventative maintenance of these systems avoids the high costs of emergency repairs that result when we react to problems instead of preempting them. I will work with town staff to find ways to expand our wastewater permit and capacity to allow for more housing and commercial development.

Commercial Development

Concord has a unique opportunity to evaluate the development potential of 160 acres of land, including MCI-Concord, Peabody School, and potentially 2229 Main Street. We must look at these sites as opportunities to reduce the tax burden on homeowners, attract businesses that meet community needs, and support clean energy projects. I will work closely with residents and experts to ensure thoughtful, sustainable development that balances economic growth with Concord’s values and goals.

Housing

I am committed to finding housing solutions across a range of affordability, yet I am particularly interested in workforce housing that includes housing for Concord citizens.  I believe that housing in the more moderate price range will advance our DEI goals at a practical level. Using town and state guidelines, we will determine the types and scale of housing that would best serve our community.

Democracy

The biggest challenge facing us today is cynicism, mistrust, and misinformation. My concern is this blinds us to the things our local town government does well, like:  excellent schools, a professional police force, a responsive fire department, two thriving libraries, popular recreation programs, and more. But most importantly, our town government—and the involvement of people like you—keeps our democracy alive.  Let’s solve our challenges together.

  • ”For those who understand the steep Select Board learning curve, Mary Hartman’s thorough, thoughtful leadership is the experience the town needs.”

    Eric Van Loon, former Town Moderator

  • ”A vote for Mary Hartman for Select Board is for us a slam dunk. Why would one choose to hire a rookie if you can hire an experienced executive?”

    Tom Tarpey & CC King, Concord Residents

  • ”Mary is a refreshing reminder of how government should be… caring, responsible, and for the people. Please vote for Mary Hartman, so she can continue working to keep our town transparent, inclusive, affordable, and, most importantly, the place where we all love to live.”

    Jeff Young & Ronni Olitsky, Concord Residents

  • ”I am grateful to have a strong woman in a leadership role and proud to support her for re-election.”

    Mara Dolan, Governor's Councillor

  • ”Mary seeks input, listens carefully, and takes decisive action on the toughest challenges.”

    Matt Johnson, Former Chair of the Concord Select Bord

  • "In the past three years, Mary has demonstrated her courage, integrity and decency as a member of our governing body. Concord needs someone of Mary’s character and intellect whose sole agenda is the best interests of our town."

    Melissa Saalfield, West Concord Resident

  • ”Mary’s steady, informed, and capable hand is exactly what we need to navigate the next several years.”

    Dan Gainsboro, West Concord Resident & MCI Advisory Board

  • ”Mary is a dedicated leader who listens, learns, and takes action with a long-term vision for Concord’s future.”

    Anne Rarich, Newbury Court Resident

  • ”Mary has the practical experience, the know-how, and the financial savvy to accomplish real results for Concord.”

    Terri Ackerman, outgoing Concord Select Board Member

  • ”A proven leader for a sustainable Concord. Her dedication, integrity, and passion are exactly what we need.”

    Junzheng Chen and Yihan Dong, Parents of two children in Concord Schools

  • “It is a pleasure working with Mary on all things Concord. I find her to be thoughtful, diligent, accessible, collaborative, and always striving to do her best for the people of Concord. Mary not only talks the talk but walks the walk as well. I am thankful that she is standing for re-election to the Select Board.”

    Carmine Gentile, Massachusetts State Representative

  • "As a parent of school age children and an active participant in Town committee work, I am proud to endorse Mary Hartman as a forward-looking leader who consistently demonstrates the importance of creating a sustainable and healthy community. Mary actively seeks diverse viewpoints, asks critical questions, and collaborates to make tough decisions."

    Kristen Hagerty, Clean Energy Consultant and Resident of Concord

  • ”Mary’s goals are prudent fiscal policy, transparency and collaboration, and thoughtful planning for future infrastructure needs facing the town.”

    Linda Miller, Concord Resident

  • ”She is a proven and forward-looking leader with financial expertise who is deeply committed to public service.”

    Catherine Cagle, Concord Resident

  • ”In Mary Hartman, Concord is fortunate to have the rare candidate who asks the right questions and really listens before she acts.”

    Don Kupka, Finance Committee Member

  • ”Experience matters. Mary is honest, intelligent, willing to listen, not afraid to make tough decision and considers all sides.”

    Susan Bates, former Select Board Member

  • ”She is a pragmatist with the vision and know-how to bring committees and budget groups together.”

    Tracy Winn & Joe Rigali, Concord Residents