Her story is that of a true Roman, born and bred. To know her is to understand that Mary Hardin Thornton enjoys working on behalf of her hometown. Either in her work life or as a community activist, she is sought after for a wide range of good reasons, most of which are because she is a prime resource for advancing projects and advocating the city’s essential needs.
Mary Hardin, as she is called by her friends and colleagues, is the important go-to name in your contact file.
Mary Hardin graduated from West Rome High School in 1987 and attended Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in English, Religion, and Philosophy. In 1993, she completed the ABA-certified paralegal program in Atlanta and received her certification in general studies from the National Center for Paralegal Training.
Her attraction to the legal world led her back home to work with the law firm of Brinson, Askew & Berry. As a paralegal, she gained valuable experience working with a national franchise development company, assisting with patent maintenance for a local chemical company, and assisting with estate and probate work for individual clients. Additionally, she assisted with case management for a Trustee in United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
In 2001, Mary Hardin was offered a position with Zartic Foods, Inc., which was one of the most successful “further” processing companies in Georgia. She worked as the assistant to the president and council for the president. She oversaw intellectual property maintenance, processed liability claims, and helped manage a $1 million line of credit for internal brokerage purposes.
In 2005, she switched gears and became the Director of Keep Rome Floyd Beautiful, serving as the third local affiliate director for the National Keep America Beautiful network in Rome after Mary Louise Payne and Mickie Dobbs. She successfully obtained grants to assist the financing of special municipal projects and neighborhood sustainability, resulting in improved community environments. Many such programs, such as Tree City USA and Bee City USA, continue to prove beneficial.
Mary Hardin would later become the Special Services Manager for Parks and Recreation and during her tenure oversaw improvements at the Lock and Dam, managed the Ridge Ferry Farmer’s Market, and supervised the recreational gymnastics program – during Covid!
Currently, Mary Hardin holds the position of Project Manager for the City of Rome, where she is responsible for managing and coordinating administrative projects, programs and activities related to SPLOST, ARPA and grants within the Finance Department. It is her job to conduct research, provide data, make recommendations and implement solutions to achieve goals and objectives. Much depends on good decisions and proper resourcing, and her goal, as in everything she takes on, is to bring the best course of action to the forefront. Outside of work responsibilities, it is not surprising she has been recognized for her many accomplishments and served or chaired over twenty board of directors and civic organizations.
In a few months, Mary Hardin Thornton will take on a new role as the newly elected Superior Clerk of Court for Floyd County, assuming office in January 2025. She says her father, the late Martin Hardin “Buddy” Mitchell, would be pleased. He too made an impact on Rome and is remembered as a popular and bright Rome City Commissioner. Mitchell Plaza and fountain located downtown on Third Avenue commemorates his stewardship.
In her office hangs a clue as to how she has managed to be successful in the jobs and duties she has undertaken. It reads “Get the facts, Involve the people, Plan systematically, Focus on results, Provide feedback and Positive reinforcement.”
“Everything builds on your experience,” she says. “I have been fortunate to not only have had opportunities to grow in my expertise, but have had the luxury of working for, and with, some of the finest and most dedicated employers and staff members in local government and the private sector. When you see how dedicated these people are, you feel good knowing our community is in such good hands. It continues to be my privilege to serve Rome and Floyd County.”
