Mary A. Hales's campaign for Cumberland County Board of Education Member is her first run for public office.

Mary previously worked as an administrator at Cumberland County Schools and as a state assistance team leader with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. She also has experience working as a mental health counselor at a private psychiatric hospital and teaching in the Department of Continuing Education at Fayetteville Technical Community College. She is a former president of the Cumberland County Association of Principals and Assistant Principals.

Mary attended Cumberland County Schools. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master’s degree in elementary education and educational administration, and a doctorate degree in educational leadership.