Mary McDonald
County Commissioner

Mary A. McDonald began her first term as Montgomery County Commissioner after being the first African American elected to the role. She concluded her tenure as Mayor of the City of Trotwood, Ohio, in 2023, after serving with distinction. She began her public service on the Trotwood City Council in 2005 and was elected Mayor in 2016.

As Mayor, Mary was a transformative leader who championed Trotwood’s growth and revitalization. Her efforts attracted several million dollars in capital investment, repurposed underutilized retail spaces, and addressed infrastructure challenges that had been neglected for over 45 years. Under her leadership, the city achieved significant milestones, including reversing a potential financial crisis, improving Trotwood’s Moody’s bond rating to AAA, and fostering economic development that brought numerous major corporations to the area. Companies such as Stratacache, Specialty Manufacturing, Korrect Plumbing Heating and Air, and many others have contributed to the city’s thriving economy.

Mary also spearheaded the development of market-rate housing, marking the first new home construction in Trotwood in over 17 years. One of her signature initiatives was the renovation and reopening of the Trotwood Community and Cultural Arts Center, which now hosts Central State University. This partnership has expanded educational and agricultural opportunities for residents of Trotwood and the surrounding region.

Through her advocacy and collaboration with state and federal leaders, Mary has ensured that Trotwood’s voice is heard, bringing resources and benefits that will have a lasting impact on the community. Her vision and dedication have firmly established Trotwood as a regional leader in economic development and homeownership.

Mary’s community involvement extends beyond her elected duties. She recently served on the Boards of Trustees for Goodwill Easterseals and Discover Classical (88.1 and 89.9 FM). During her time as Mayor, she co-chaired the Trotwood Community Improvement Corporation (TCIC).

Her achievements have been widely recognized. Mary is a recipient of the Humanitarian Award from the National Conference for Community & Justice of Greater Dayton, the YWCA Women of Influence Award, and the Visionary Leadership Award from Leadership Ohio, among many others. The Better Business Bureau’s Women in Business Networking program named her one of the “25 Women to Watch,” and she is a proud alumna of Leadership Ohio’s prestigious 2021 cohort.

Mary is equally dedicated to her family. She is the proud mother of Alexandra “Kate” (Shamel) Rivers and Daniel Allen Caldwell, and a loving grandmother and “GiGi” to Sydney, London, and Zahra Rivers.