Submitted by Michael Woiwode
I first met Mary Sikes when I was a Coronado Councilmember. She described to us and the public the plans for the nascent Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF). Wow! What a compelling speaker. She got the City Council on board immediately. Little did I know at that time that I’d later serve on the Board of Directors of that organization. Then, through my work on the Board of CIFF, I came to really appreciate Mary’s talents. I saw her bring disparate groups together, tackle the most obstinate problems, and lead the fledgling CIFF to City-wide excitement, Hollywood recognition, and financial success. I saw that Mary leads by sharing her vision of success with her team. Then she marshals their diverse talents. I saw her display her corporate executive skills – the commitment to getting it done – at every level, from the hands-on placing of signs, to working with police, to negotiating with studios. I saw that she shares the values that I embraced during my Council service. Mary is a Navy spouse, a large business executive, small business start-up CEO, Coronado community lover and leader. Now, let’s make Mary a Councilmember!
Michael Woiwode
Former Councilmember
