Since 1986, Mary M. Watson-Bruce, Ph.D., has served as a board member for IHO, including roles as past president and past vice-president. Throughout her illustrious career, she has worked as research gerontologist and independent health services consultant to City of Irvine, Corporation for Better Housing, Deloitte & Touche, and FountainGlen Properties—a senior housing management company—among others. This rich experience informs her contributions to IHO.  

Mary has received numerous scholarships, awards, and honors, including Distinguished Woman of the Year for Health Sciences from Soroptimist Club of Irvine, J.C. Penney Golden Rule Award for Voluntarism, and United Way Award for Dedicated Community Service. She has authored a range of publications covering topics related to elderly caregiving and community engagement. Mary earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in social sciences with an emphasis on gerontology from the University of California, Irvine. 

  Why did you choose to serve with IHO?  “Demonstrating how to treat people with humanity, while making permanent shelter accessible, is very important to me. Respecting people through art and beauty is part of what I do through IHO.”