In 2006 Mary and her husband, Charlie, opened The Cumberland Financial Group LLC located in St. Marys, Georgia.   Mary serves as President of the firm.  The Cumberland Financial Group’s mission is to help clients accept responsibility for their financial lives and make important choices necessary to realize their hopes and dreams for the future.

 

 

 

Mary is a graduate of Thornridge High School in Dalton, Illinois.   She entered the Insurance industry with Traveler’s Insurance Company in 1973 and  became a diligent student of the business. Her commitment to excellence led her to pursue  formal studies at Palm Beach Community College, the professional Insurance Agent’s Association, The Life Underwriter Training Council, and the Independent Insurance Agents Association. In 1995 Mary also completed the requirements for the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor designation. 

 

In 1998 Northwood University recognized Mary’s inspiring career and her success as an independent, entrepreneurial business owner by awarding her an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree.

 

 

 

Following graduation from high school Mary married her high school sweetheart. She soon became a full time housewife and stay-at-home Mom. In 1972 the family relocated to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Financial challenges the following year led Mary to apply for a position as a corporate trainee with the Traveler’s Insurance Company. Her talents were recognized and she excelled rapidly and was offered a sales position with a local independent agency. In 1979 the family moved to West Palm and Mary affiliated with the D.R. Mead Agency. When the agency was bought by John F. Curry, a 75 year old New York City property and casualty agency, Mary was named Agency Manager. Two years later she was promoted to Vice President and Director of Florida Operations for the firm. 

 

Her husband died of lung cancer in 1985 leaving Mary with four small children.   Within months of his death, Mary was offered an opportunity to purchase the Curry Agency’s Florida operations. In February of 1986 the transaction was completed and Mary became the Founder and Owner of an agency that would bear her name, the Wojtusik-Smith Agency.  

 

During the next twelve years the agency’s in force premium quadrupled and the firm grew to 10 full time associates. In July of 1998 Mary’s husband, Charlie, accepted an industry position in Washington, D. C.   This relocation made it necessary for Mary to sell the agency.   

 

In 2003 the couple returned to West Palm Beach and Mary affiliated with the Insurance Office of America focusing her efforts on health insurance and long term care. A move to St. Marys, Georgia in 2006 presented Mary and Charlie with the opportunity to create a new venture, The Cumberland Financial Group LLC., matching their complementary skills for the very first time.

 

 

 

Mary’s community service is extensive. She served as President of the Palm Beach Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, as a member of the Board of Directors of the City Club of the Palm Beaches and as chair of the membership committee for five years.  Mary was a frequent lecturer for the Crossroads Program at Palm Beach Community College and served on the organization’s Advisory Board. She is a founding board member of Alpha Care, a crisis pregnancy center in West Palm Beach and continues to serve on the Board of Directors of the Drug Abuse Treatment Association.

 

Mary currently serves as:

•Moderater of the Presbyterian Women at 1st Presbyterian Church of St. Marys

•Associate Director to the Georgia Lighthouse Foundation

•Past President Leadership Camden Alumni Committee 2010-2011

•Past President of Camden Newcomers 2010-2011

 

 

 

Mary was chosen as Agent of the Year in 1986 by the Independent Insurance Agents of Palm Beach County and as Business Woman of the Year in 1989. 

 

Mary sits on the Board of Governors of Northwood University and is responsible for founding and leading the University’s popular, Success Series. This program has raised over $100,000 for the University. 

 

In 1998 Northwood University bestowed an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree on Mary in recognition of her distinguished business career and her significant contributions to the University. 

 

Mary was recently awarded as one of Camden County's Business Women to Watch in 2010.

 

 Affiliations

 

Camden County Chamber of Commerce

First Presbyterian Church of St. Marys

Leadership Camden County Class of 2007

Camden County Newcomers Club

The Camden County Partnership

The Camden—Kings Bay Navy League

AHIP (Association of Health Insurance Professionals)

CIC (Certified Insurance Counselors)

National Alliance of Insurance Professionals

Coastal Medical Access Project (CMAP)

Lions Club of St. Marys

 

 

 

 

Mary and her husband Charlie have 6 children and 13 grand children.