Former Coca-Cola marketer joins UNG as executive in residence

DAHLONEGA - The Mike Cottrell College of Business at the University of North Georgia (UNG) has hired former Coca-Cola senior manager Mary Norman as the first executive-in-residence for the university's Center for the Future of North Georgia.<br /> <br /> With more than 29 years in the consumer products industry, Norman has significant experience in the areas of strategic marketing, account management, brand building, cross-functional team leadership and executing successful customer contract negotiations.<br /> <br /> "It is a great honor to have someone in this position who has such great business experience," said Dr. Donna Mayo, dean of UNG's Mike Cottrell College of Business. "Mary is a member of the Mike Cottrell College of Business advisory board and has been engaged with the college for several years in various roles. Her professional knowledge and expertise will play a vital role as the Center for the Future of North Georgia continues to assist in developing a professional and entrepreneurial workforce."<br /> <br /> In her new role, Norman will be working with Center for the Future of North Georgia and Mike Cottrell College of Business faculty and staff to develop research as well as academic and community programming in entrepreneurship.<br /> <br /> "Mary brings valuable expertise and experience to the Center for the Future of North Georgia," said Dr. Ruben Boling, director of the Center for the Future of North Georgia. "Leveraging her knowledge in business development and strategic planning will help our students and communities become stronger."<br /> <br /> In her 14 years at The Coca-Cola Co., Norman served in a variety of roles including group director of channel planning and development within commercial leadership for Coca-Cola Refreshments, director of marketing within the FoodService and On-Premise division of Coca-Cola North America, and senior customer marketing manager within the Customer Alliance Marketing Group. Prior to joining Coca-Cola, she held key management positions at The Gillette Co., where she oversaw the North American marketing of four Gillette consumer brands in the business-to-business channels.<br /> <br /> "I am extremely excited to continue to be part of this great university," Norman said. "The Mike Cottrell College of Business has a great vision for north Georgia in terms of economic development and entrepreneurial support, and I am both honored and humbled to be a part of our exciting future."