(PRESS RELEASE) CORVALLIS, OR — Mercury Free Mining (MFM) has hired Bernadette Mack as its managing director – a new position within the seven-year-old nonprofit – as part of its planned expansion of programming and outreach. With her extensive experience in both the nonprofit sector and the jewelry industry, Mack brings a critical set of skills to the organization as it continues its mission to protect both people and the environment from the toxic effects of mercury pollution from artisanal gold mining.
Mack’s career spans over two decades, during which she has gained comprehensive expertise in the development of nonprofit operations, fundraising, marketing, and communication. She previously served as executive director of the Women’s Jewelry Association during a time of extraordinary growth for the organization and has, for the last four years, operated a private consultancy firm whose clients include environmental groups, museums, theaters, an historical society, and a variety of small businesses. In her new role, Mack has been tapped to create operational systems as well as new outreach and funding pathways that will support MFM’s future growth.
Toby Pomeroy, MFM’s founder and executive director, says of Mack’s arrival, “We couldn’t be happier that Bernadette has joined our team and mission. Her passion for nonprofit work and deep knowledge of organizational management are exactly what we need right now.”
Mack’s appointment marks a crucial phase of growth for Mercury Free Mining as they embark on ground-breaking projects in Colombia and Sierra Leone. These initiatives aim to establish Goldrop as a standard in the mining industry by proving its effectiveness and practicality in real-world mining conditions.
“For years we’ve been working toward our vision of eradicating mercury use among artisanal and small-scale gold miners. With the discovery of the highly efficient Goldrop technology, we feel we’re on the cusp of seeing our vision become reality,” says Pomeroy. “This is the ideal time for us to bring on an expert in nonprofit management to help us scale our operations to make huge strides in eliminating the use of mercury pollution from gold mining.”
Adds Mack, “This mission is important and achievable – so to help advance what Toby, his supporters, and colleagues have built feels like a golden opportunity for me.”