2026 Jane O Award for Advocacy Presented to Mary McGurran

MEJC is honored to recognize Mary McGurran as the 2026 Jane Ochrymowycz Award for Advocacy Recipient during the 2026 WEAAD conference.

Mary McGurran serves as Adult Protection Manager with the Minnesota Department of Human Services and has dedicated her career to advancing the safety, dignity, and rights of vulnerable adults in Minnesota. Since joining the Department of Human Services in 2012, she has played a central role in building and strengthening Minnesota’s Adult Protective Services (APS) system. She served as supervisor beginning in 2018 and has led the unit as Manager since 2022. Prior to DHS Mary worked as a caregiver coach, care manager, social services program manager, and worked with adults to develop support systems. Across each role, Mary has paired deep policy expertise with practical leadership to drive meaningful, lasting change. Her list of accomplishments is long and distinquished.

As noted in her nomination: “What distinguishes Mary is not only what she has accomplished, but how she leads. She develops others, fosters thoughtful problem-solving, and keeps a clear focus on the people the system is designed to serve. Her leadership reflects accountability, compassion, and a sustained commitment to equity and justice.”

Mary McGurran epitomizes the vision of person-centered advocacy.  

The purpose of the Jane Ochrymowycz Award for Advocacy is to recognize Minnesotans for their outstanding advocacy for vulnerable adults. Prior recipients include:

2012 – Amy Sweasy, Senior Prosecutor, Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
2013 – Iris Freeman, Founder, Minnesota Elder Justice Center
2014 – Scott Campbell, Duluth Police Department, Retired; advocate leading to financial exploitation changes with State v. Campbell
2015 – Carmen Castaneda, Hennepin County Adult Protection Program Manager
2016 – Dave Hall, Carlton County Adult Protection Social Worker
2017 – Barb Doherty, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Retired
2018 – Tara Patet, Senior Prosecutor, St Paul City Attorney’s Office
2019 – Anita Raymond, Care Management & Consultation, Center for Excellence in Supported Decision Making, Volunteers of America-Minnesota
2021 – Marsha Berry, Trainer and Education Consultant, Rainbow Health
2022 – Louise Starr, Supervisor, Dakota County Social Services
2023 – Cheryl Hennen, State Ombudsman for Long-Term Care
2024 – Anita Boucher and Jeff Bangsberg, Independent Advocates
2025 – Martin Fleischhacker retired Senior Financial Fraud Ombudsman, MN Department of Commerce