50 Women to Watch: Mary Ulmer Jones

Mary Ulmer Jones, Senior Vice President/Associate General Counsel, Bank of America

Mary Ulmer Jones is a Senior Vice President/Associate General Counsel with Bank of America. In that role, Mary is responsible for providing legal advice and guidance to a global human resources department that supports over 180,000 employees worldwide. She is recognized as a subject matter expert on matters involving regulatory risks, federal, state and municipal laws and is responsible for giving guidance on strategies that reduce expenses, increase revenue and creates an award-winning environment where employees can bring their whole selves to work. Mary manages a staff of lawyers, paralegals, and business support managers and regularly collaborates with business leaders to advance both internal and external performance strategies and manage reputational, operational and legal risks. Mary also serves in a number of internal leadership roles wherein she provides enterprise level guidance regarding pro bono work, diversity and inclusion, domestic violence and disability advocacy strategies. Mary joined Bank of America in 1991, as an in house labor, employment and litigation legal counsel.

In the community, Mary is passionate about empowerment and workforce development. Mary currently serves on the University of Kentucky Political Science Department Alumni Board and was recently asked to join the Year Up Financial Services Advisory Board. Mary previously served as a Board member of Theatrical Outfit of Atlanta, Pebbletossers and Year Up of Atlanta. She has worked tirelessly on domestic violence issues; disability empowerment issues; and diversity, equality and inclusion issues. In recognition of her leadership, Mary has been selected for membership in the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels and has received the Bank of America Global Diversity and Inclusion Award, the Georgia Leadership Conference Multicultural Leadership Award and recognition as the National Diversity Council Top 50 General Counsels. Mary recently was asked to attend the Bank of America Power of 10 10th Anniversary Leadership Recognition Event due to her leadership in the P10 program.

She has also been recognized for her community involvement by the National Charity League Buckhead Chapter and the Junior League of Atlanta.

Mary is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Political Science. She also graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Law where she served on the staff of the Kentucky Law Journal. Mary is married to Lewis and mother to four children. She and her family reside in Atlanta, GA.

What is your proudest achievement?

My children and the compassionate young adults they have become.

What is the most influential piece of advice (professional or personal) you have received?

Provide advice in a positive tone and always offer a solution to the problem.

Where do you see the legal profession or yourself in 10+ years?

Continuing to partner with the many teammates at Bank of America that provide great joy and intellectual stimulation in my role.

What is/are your favorite extracurricular activity/activities?

Pickleball.

What is one thing people should know about you but don't?

I enjoy haunted houses

Name your hometown/where you were born/where you grew up and where you live now.

I was born in Lexington KY and I currently reside in Atlanta, GA.

If you were not a legal professional, what other line of work would you pursue?

Fitness Instructor/Wellness Coach.