When Passion Meets Purpose: Continuing a Legacy of Strong Leadership

At Cincinnati Country Day School, leadership transitions are less about handing off a title and more about continuing a legacy. As Tina DiSanto steps down as board president and Mary Horton prepares to take on the role, the community finds itself in the capable hands of two dynamic leaders who have dedicated their time, talent, and heart to the school, not as part of their careers, but as part of their purpose.

Though their journeys to Country Day differ, Tina and Mary share a powerful common thread: Both left behind high-powered professional careers to pour their expertise into their families and communities.

Tina spent 14 years in Silicon Valley, leading HR teams at tech giants including Salesforce. Mary, meanwhile, came from the world of public relations, working in community outreach and crisis communications during her years in Chicago. “I loved engaging with people, with city departments; it taught me the value of relationship-building and listening,” she says. Though not a Cincinnati native, she and her husband Peter moved back to Ohio to be closer to family, eventually making Country Day their home for more than two decades, with two children graduating from the school: Reed `25 and Will `20.

Mary has worn nearly every volunteer hat imaginable over her 21 years as a Country Day parent. From Parents’ Association (PA) rep to CountryDate co-chair to trustee mentor, her contributions are rooted in both history and heart. “With Reed graduating this spring, it’s surreal that we’ll no longer have a child attending school at Country Day,” she says. “I’m grateful for this new role because I can’t imagine not being part of a community that’s meant so much to our family. It was the right time for me.”

Tina, by contrast, is relatively new, joining the Country Day community nine years ago, when Rocco and Luca `30 began attending school. And that fresh perspective quickly became an asset. “I expressed early interest in getting involved,” she says. “Starting with the PA’s speaker chair role, I soon thereafter joined the board and eventually became board president. It’s incredibly rewarding work – you’re contributing with purpose.”

The admiration between the two women is unmistakable.

“I admire Tina’s steadiness,” Mary says. “She listens, evaluates, and leads with intent. I’ve learned a tremendous amount by shadowing her, especially how she integrates her HR mindset into everything. This transition could have been overwhelming, but Tina has provided a terrific support system.”

Tina echoes that sentiment: “Mary’s commitment to Country Day is awe-inspiring. It’s unwavering. She brings incredible warmth and kindness, but also real strength and conviction. That combination, especially in a female leader, is powerful…and sometimes underestimated. I don’t know a single person who doesn’t love Mary Horton.”

This leadership moment for Mary is especially meaningful given the timing. She is stepping into the presidency as her youngest child graduates. “There were a few factors in saying yes when this opportunity was brought to me,” she explains. “One was the chance to work with someone of Rob’s caliber [Head of School Rob Zimmerman `98], and another was the strong foundation that Tina and the board have built. And on a very personal level, it’s my way of giving back to a place that has meant so much to my family.”

Looking back, Tina reflects on what her time as board president has taught her. “Don’t underestimate the skills you bring,” she says. “Whether it’s HR, communications, finance – those skills have a real impact in a school environment. Don’t be afraid to innovate, to break a little glass, and to lead with strength and kindness.”

Both agree that one of the greatest rewards of service is the community it creates. “Out of all the volunteer experiences I’ve had, Country Day stands out,” says Mary. “I’ve made lifelong friends. Our kids’ classmates’ parents feel like family.”

As they close one chapter and open another, Tina and Mary offer a clear takeaway for anyone considering how to give back: Jump in.

“If you love this school, give your time in any capacity,” Tina says. “It’s incredibly rewarding, not just for the school, but for your own growth. And along the way, you’ll make connections that last a lifetime.”